Hemyock: Huge Fun

The recent Valley Arts and Social Society Autumn play was judged by those involved to be great fun!

Played to near full houses over their four night run ‘Dracula – The Pantomine’ provided entertainment for old and young. There was the usual ‘Baddie’ to boo, love stories in abundance, hearty laughs, songs, dance and a happy ending! Director Janet Elworthy really turned it on!!!

‘There is nothing more suitable to watch on the week leading up to Hallowe’en than a performance of Dracula the Pantomime and it is made even better when watching it in a packed village hall. Hemyock’s Valley Arts and Social Society’s production of Dracula was 2 hours of fun from start to finish with energetic performances from old and new cast members.

Blessed with an entertaining script, Buffy’s (Vikki Parsons) quest to prove the existence of Dracula (Kevin Stratton) following mysterious attacks, was aided by the larger than life Dame Plasma (Anne Monk), Fred Corpusle (Ben King), Rema Globin (Alison Robson) and finally Dr Paul Bearer. Of the latter, played by Hemyock’s Catherine Wheel Landlord (Geoff Taylor), he must certainly be the toast of the village as every joke was cheered and welcomed by a vocal first night audience – I’m told this only built as the week went on!

The quest took them to Dracula’s castle which was brought to life by cameo appearances from the count’s henchman, Bat (Chris Poole) and Professor Maurice Van Heilsing (Stuart Lyddon) who both added to the discovering the mystery in defeating Dracula. Who knew it would be as easy as saying his name backwards?

It was lucky for the town that they had a vampire slayer, as resident bobby Inspector Ventricle (Hilary) seemed to be of little use to the gang but did have us laughing whenever she tried to investigate the goings on – especially with her performance alongside PC Platelet (the versatile Chris Poole) in the song, ‘The Laughing Policeman’.

The Andrex Sisters (Gillian Hawkes, Sally Cartledge and Julie Bailey) gave confident backing to well chosen and light hearted songs which helped to keep up the pace of the production. The costumes were simple, yet appropriate to the characters and the set provided a solid structure which was skilfully transformed into Dame Plasma’s house, the Doctor’s surgery, a train station or the castle. The backstage and technical crew did a brilliant job given the available space with cast well amplified, spooky sound effects and well timed effects.

Although this production was not the most polished performance, they turned it into a success with confident principals, who were supported by a strong chorus and production team. The Valley Arts & Social Society who put on community productions in a relaxed and social environment, should be proud of their efforts with locals certainly already looking forward to their next production.’

Huge Fun

Saturday, November 06 2010 @ 07:24 AM GMT