COMMUNITY theatre group Triangle Players is showing its latest production with this year’s panto, Robinson Crusoe.
Triangle Players have been performing in some form since the mid-1940s and currently puts on around three shows a year.
The production of Robinson Crusoe immediately shows the history behind the company in its embracing of everything that makes a classic panto.
The production sees Christine Mather’s Robinson as he embarks upon a journey in which he encounters native inhabitants of a desert island and his tribulations of survival at sea.
Mather portrays the main character well, sitting back when the secondary characters come into focus but pushing the story along with excitable energy when necessary.
Mather’s chipper lightheartedness mixes well with the diverse array of secondary characters without upstaging or being overcrowded by them.
She is joined by partner Emily, played by Tracy Harrison, and Auntie Chrissie, played by Barrie Davies.
Davies’ Auntie Chrissie steals the show from the very beginning as she introduces the audience to the production.
Not only is she excellently portrayed, but her self-referential, nod-and-a-wink introduction sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the story.
Davies embraces the spirit of the panto as the character flits from cheeky gags when the story falls by the wayside to flighty overacting when the narrative is pushing forward.
As such, Auntie Chrissie brings both dramatic tension and genuine humour to every scene she’s in– especially when things go slightly awry with her wig.
Bruce Thomas’ Captain Birdseye and Noxious Nancy the pirate are also among the highlights, with the captain’s friendly authority providing a good counterpoint to the rest of the cast’s more wacky performances.
As well as the classic characters, the production embraces all that traditional pantomimes have to offer, including sing-a-long sections to popular tunes and breakaway sections of physical comedy and spoken asides.
As such, the production doesn’t let the narrative get in the way of a good joke or the chance to introduce unlikely characters.
Overall, Triangle Player’s production of Robinson Crusoe does exactly what a good pantomime should: takes the premise of the narrative and runs away to wherever it sees fit with it.
The cast has space to play and have fun with the characters and their interactions, creating a jolly, upbeat performance which balances the cheeky, subversive humour one expects from a panto without being rude or inappropriate.
The direction is also to be commended due to its focus on the fun elements of the production and the trimming of any extraneous exposition, especially as it is Lewis Gilbert’s debut production in the role.
As such, the production is a celebration of all that makes local theatre, and a traditional panto, so much fun and accessible for all.
The Triangle Players are also currently seeking members ahead of their upcoming shows.
“We’re always looking to recruit new members,” says Christine Mathers, “we have read-through auditions in mid-February which anybody is welcome to come along to.
“No experience is necessary, you’ll gain it as you go, and we’re very welcoming.”
The Players meet at 7.30pm on Wednesdays and Fridays at the hall behind the Methodist church on School Road.
Robinson Crusoe runs at the hall behind the Methodist church on School Road on Friday and Saturday, February 3 and 4, with an extra matinee on Saturday, February 4.
For more information on joining the players or to book tickets, visit: www.triangleplayers.co.uk/ or www.ticketsource.co.uk/triangle-players-tilehurst
