Burley Players 
Burley Village Hall, Burley 
Ben Nightingale 
25 January 2025
Adventure in Pantoland was lively and bright, the production was a whirlwind of colour and energy. The costumes were vibrant, and the sets, while a little wobbly at times, added to the charm. A few lines were fluffed, and some cues went astray, but the enthusiasm of the cast carried the show forward with infectious joy.
The songs were performed with heart, and the audience was more than happy to clap and join in. The classic panto humour, cheesy, over-the-top, and utterly delightful, kept everyone entertained. Each character played their role brilliantly, from Bruce Clitherow’s flamboyant Dame to Sandy Simpson’s quick-witted Fool.
Sharon Street was perfectly wicked as Poison Ivy, delivering a performance full of mischief and menace. In contrast, Ian Marshall’s Fairy Honeysuckle sprinkled magic wherever he went, charming the audience with every scene. The Principal Girl trio, Esme Baggott, Tilly Johnson, and Sian Pidgley, brought warmth and energy, while Karen Hefford’s Principal Boy was every bit the dashing hero.
Claire Doolan and the junior chorus made for a delightful troupe of dwarfs, bringing plenty of personality to their scenes. Jules Sawdon’s Wizbad was a commanding villain, booming voice and all, while Wanda Williams, as the voice of the Mirror in Snow White, delivered her lines with eerie authority.
One of the standout moments was Carly Lynch’s Genie in the Lamp, a dazzling, high-energy performance that lit up the stage. Veronica Johnstone, as Tommy the Cat from Dick Whittington, was a crowd favourite, prowling across the stage with perfect feline charm. Meanwhile, Chris Duell juggled multiple roles as the Herald, the Lord Chamberlain, and even the Giant—talk about versatility!
Credit must also go to the production team, whose hard work behind the scenes brought the show together. Year after year, they manage to create something special, and this was no exception. The children in the cast were a joy to watch, bringing energy and excitement that made the whole experience even more magical.
Debbie Clay’s musical direction ensured the show hit all the right notes, with lively arrangements that kept the energy high from start to finish. Tony Robinson’s piano playing was the backbone of the musical numbers, setting the pace and adding that extra sparkle, while Graeme Thew’s percussion brought rhythm and flair, punctuating the action with perfectly timed beats and playful flourishes.
Behind the scenes, Simon and Sue Newns (their first time directing) steered the production with a steady hand as director and assistant director, shaping the chaos into a panto that was equal parts laughter, adventure, and pure joy. Their vision brought the story to life, making sure every moment, no matter how madcap, had its place. And let’s not forget Deborah Nightingale, whose work as producer ensured that everything, on and off stage, came together seamlessly. From backstage to curtains up, she kept the wheels turning, helping to create a show that truly sparkled.
With a team like this, it’s no wonder Burley Village Players delivered a pantomime bursting with fun, music, and magic!
