Otterbourne Theatre Company 
Otterbourne Village Hall, Otterbourne, Winchester 
David Putley 
09 January 2026
I have to say the welcome I received upon arrival was so well done. A complete surprise and made you feel part of something really special and appreciated. It was a real community event with a packed house, and everyone seems to know everyone else. Superb to see local theatre being so well supported. And the show doesn’t disappoint in any way shape or form.
It was clear from the well-orchestrated opening number with well thought out choreography by Holly Williams, Poppy Lucas and Sarah Hobbs that the standard was going to be high. The choice of songs from Owl City to Miley Cyrus, The Saturdays and show tunes from Chicago, Hairspray and Gypsy made sure every audience taste was catered for. Singing and dancing was brilliant throughout allowing performers aged 4 upwards to shine. The discipline of all the chorus, particularly the youngsters was such a joy to see.
All the performances from the named principals maintained the enthusiasm and quality. Maddie Thirlby was a thigh slapping, wholesome Jack with great interaction with those around her but particularly Poppy Lucas as a charming, well danced Princess Charlotte. Their up-tempo duets involving ensemble made a good change from a ballad maintaining interest for younger audience attendees.
Ryan Bishop brought his own professionalism to Dotty Dimple firing out ad libs like bullets. His stage presence was immediate from his When You’re Good To Dotty (Mama) song to warm interactive conversations with the audience, keeping a very high level of animation. Son Simple Simon, via Jack Hobbs, had such a difficult role as it involved corny reactive joke after joke: how he learnt all the lines is a testament to his high energy on stage, winning smiles and all-round wholesomeness. Such a good performer allowing those around him to also have their moment.
Nex Gibbs and Hannah Bishop played opposite witches, the former relishing her boos and Things That Go Bump In The Night song whilst the latter playing a very natural, believable character, her singing voice showing great maturity in interpretation. Lovely to see mini versions of them in the form of Lucy Hobbs and Beth Oldham showing enthusiasm and discipline.
Richard Daniels brought an excellent Fagin-like interpretation to Rancid The Ratman, keeping in perfect character throughout without resorting to caricature. George Lucas as Rodney brought charm and dance talent to the stage, ably supported by a large faction of delighted fans. For me, it was a joy that such support was given; so much so that for the audience participation song all the Under 16 Rugby Club joined him on stage (about 30 of them). This didn’t phase any of the cast and was a special moment to be part of.
Matthew Rowe and Sue Parsons as King and Queen were excellent, bringing stage gravitas, especially as a surprise duet in You’re Timeless To Me, which was just sublime.
Nicky Stringer and Elise Gibbs brought much to their roles as the Broker’s Men, proving good comedy slapstick and timing throughout. Paul Revell added to the high standard in the role of Humphrey.
Costuming matched the high standard of the show, with Sam Oldham and Nex Gibbs doing an excellent job and was part of the total attention to detail by Producer/Director Sarah Hobbs and extensive team bringing it all together. It is this community feel and hard work that consistently shone through from a tour de force beanstalk and a tap-dancing cow. Lighting and staging fully utilised the space with equally excellent sound adding much to a professional feel. All involved should be really pleased with the results of this well directed and thought-out show bringing all the traditions of pantomime together, but giving a relevant, modern accent.
I laughed out loud so much and totally revelled in such high-quality entertainment provided. Perhaps a tad too long first half, but despite that slight criticism this is highly recommended for anyone able to get a ticket as a real tonic against the winter blues.
