Little Berkhamsted Pantomime 2021

Fairy Tale Courtroom by Dana Proulx, 16th, 17th & 18th December 2021

Christmas 2021 brought the much anticipated return of The Little Berkhamsted Players, with the talented ensemble once again in great form! Three wonderful performances of a special production of Dana Proulx’s ingenious comedy ‘Fairy Tale Courtroom’ were staged in St Andrew’s Church, to the delight of appreciative audiences enjoying their mulled wine and mince pies.

This was the dramatic setting for ‘telling the other side of the story’ of much loved fairy tales. Two of their biggest villains – the Big Bad Wolf and the Wicked Witch - had wreaked havoc whilst rampaging from fairy tale to fairy tale, trying to prevent everyone from living happily ever after. Then, at last, the notorious Wolf and wicked Witch were brought to trial. As their trials unfolded – to the sound of plenty of boos and hisses – the audience (thrilled to have been cast as the jury!) were treated to flashback sequences and gripping testimonies from key witnesses - Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs, Hansel & Gretel, Snow White, Dorothy & Scarecrow, the Prince, Badger and even Sleeping Beauty! However, for the dastardly Wolf and Witch, only one question mattered: – ‘Guilty or Not Guilty?’

Individual performances were a joy. Every cast member and the production team really excelled, with stunning costumes, superb lighting and great music creating a truly memorable occasion. Credits are listed in full below - congratulations to everyone involved.

A special thank you to Rev’d Theresa Musiwacho for giving permission to use the church for the Village Panto this year, proceeds from which go to The Sahibs Cricket Club and St. Andrew’s Church. Lastly, thanks in particular to the Director, Sandie Ash, whose energy and remarkable creative skills (as well as a last minute stand-in acting role!) provided a fabulous festive feast of fun and laughter.

CAST

The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf: Judge - Ryland Ash, Sandie Ash (Friday performance), Maurice Squirrell (Saturday), Bailiff - Leslie Wilson, District Attorney - Richard Chaplin, Wolf - Kevin Edwards, Pigs 1 and 2 - Bridget Toomey, Pig 3 - Poppy Hedley, Little Red Riding Hood - Jane Elson, Grandma - Wayne Morris, Boy Who Cried Wolf - Pip Wilson, Badger - Maurice Squirrell

The Trial of the Wicked Witch: Judge - Ryland Ash, Sandie Ash (Friday performance), Maurice Squirrell (Saturday), The Witch - Wayne Morris, Gabriela Matosevic (Friday performance), Defence Attorney - Jane Elson, Bailiff - Mark Elson, District Attorney - Leslie Wilson, Scarecrow - Pip Wilson, Dorothy - Poppy Hedley, Hansel - Kevin Edwards, Gretel - Poppy Hedley, Sleeping Beauty - Bridget Toomey, Snow White - Poppy Hedley, Prince - Richard Chaplin, Dwarves - Reuben & Sienna Ash, Jack Hedley, Maurice Squirrell

PRODUCTION TEAM

Lighting and Music - Richard Chaplin, Props - Mark Elson, Costumes - Diane Stanbrook, Banners - Marie Squirrell, Mulled Wine & Mince Pies – courtesy of ‘The Beehive’, On the Night - Simon Hedley, Marie Squirrell, Maureen McCanne

J O’R

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