Robinson Crusoe and the Pirate Queen
Chipping Norton Theatre
Until January 8
Box office: 01608 642350
Avast ye, landlubbers - if you're looking for a Christmas panto treat then look no further than the Chipping Norton Theatre for a rip-roaring performance of Robinson Crusoe and the Pirate Queen.
The fun begins as soon as you get to the theatre which has been given a seafaring makeover with torches burning, driftwood and pirate skeletons hanging from rope ladders.
The theatre may be small and intimate but the production is incredible, making great use of the space.
Not least for an underwater scene where the whole theatre is bathed in blue light, bubbles floating and models of the characters on fishing rods dangled above the audience's heads.
In another, a conveyor belt moves the scenery while the cast are on horseback while the dame reversing on her clam shell throne was very funny.
It sounds barmy but it is brilliant - one of the most inventive pantomimes I have seen.
A treasure map belonging to his father sends Robinson Crusoe (Craig Rhys Barlow) on an adventure with his love interest Polly Perkins (Emilia Williams).
While most love stories in pantos are schmaltzy this has a good dose of toilet humour in their first song which had us guffawing in the aisles.
Andrew Pepper plays the panto dame Camilla Crusoe with great gusto from her diva singing, audience participation to her utterly fabulous costumes designed by Emily Stuart.
Swaggering pirate queen Betty Babcock was played by Kali Hughes who masterfully added swashbuckling laughs - especially in her scenes with FwaaFwaa McGrath (Jean-Luke Worrell).
Joining her crew were 'The Pippins' who ably performed their multiple roles - in a few years these children will no doubt easily step into the principal roles given their talent.
Adding a dash of naughtiness is Saucy Nancy - the ship's figurehead, much like the traditional panto fairy, while Robert Maskell ramps up the humour as Captain Wallace Windblower.
So raise the anchor, unfurl the sails and set course to the Chipping Norton Theatre for a sparkling Christmas panto which provides a barrel full of laughs.
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