Around 300 people enjoyed the latest offering from Seend Fawlty Players last month as the group performed The Emperors’ New Clothes.
The Players have a reputation for emphasising the fun and absurdity of pantomime and this production was no exception, with plenty of audience participation involved.
Tessa Doe said, “Andy Nutland gave a masterclass in comic acting as the Emperor, Len Murray was a classic pantomime Dame and Josh Hamblin popped energetically around the stage as the jester. Chris Waylen and Josh Conboy, as the con-artist tailors of the Emperor’s ‘magic’ suit of clothes, were splendid comedy villains.
“The songs were generally confidently and enjoyably presented, particularly so by Stacey Vaux as the put-upon Empress, with accomplished piano accompaniment from Fiona Johnson.
“There were solid performances from Pete Wallis as the Equerry, Magnus Galloway as his deputy, and Jackie Hamblin, Paula Mansergh and Jan Field as the maids. Dave Balnave as a very Scottish Chancellor attracted the attentions of the dame, and Sophia Nichols, Caitlin Balnave and Ronja Galloway made a convincing trio of clothes moths. Ben Wallis and Juliette Clark did well as the slightly rebellious teenage prince and princess.
“Myself and Anita Shea, who was also the director, co-wrote the play and were a double act as the palace musicians. Jackie and Nathan Hamblin, Colin and Jo Waldeck, Dave Field, Alan Bryer and Jo Sutton were responsible for scenery and props – and Dave deserves a special mention for building a magnificent working loom.
“Pauline Robertson, Teresa Conboy, Jackie Hamblin and Kath Steggall applied the make-up, Ann Ewing, Mel Walker and Graham Hamblin were in charge of front of house, and Paul Seemayer and John Winterton created the lighting. Proceeds from the show will be donated to Julia’s House Hospice in Devizes.”
