Dick Whittingtonwas performed in 2006. A pantomime classic that is loosely based on a distant past Mayor of London. Rumour has it that Dick did have a cat and that whilst on a journey overseas, he took his cat with him and it earned him a lot of money killing rats. Once again the scenery was hired form Owen Money Theatre Company, although the script was written by Bob Heather. The plot was criticised as being sketchy and thin in places and perhaps failed to live up to past scripts.
Although led by the same Production Team as the previous year, Len Lane and Jaci Brickley-Clark and accompanied by the Music Studio Band, the chorus and principals raised the roof at every opportunity. Lively musical numbers included: “Is this the Way to Amarillo”,”The Lambeth Walk” and “Warts and All”. In addition the sheer enjoyment of the large cast shone through and infected the audience which played along in true panto fashion. The end result once again notched up another rousing success.
Jack and the Beanstalk was our 75th Anniversary show performed during half-term in February 2007. Written by panto stalwart Stephen Clark and produced by Len Lane with musical direction by Jaci Brickley-Clark. With not a spare seat in the house, the audience was thrilled with just over two hours of fun, music and laughter. Jack, played by Aimee Mogford and his less than bright brother Simple Simon played by Stephen Clark made their way up the magic beanstalk to seek fame and fortune. However, a nasty surprise awaited them in ‘Cloudland!’ It was a traditional panto filled with plenty of ‘fee fie foe FUN!’
The most magical fairytale of them all, Sleeping Beauty was brought to life from page to stage in 2008. led by the same production team once again, who decided to bring the panto right up to date by filming ‘The Quest’ (a scene filmed in Abergavenny Town Centre where several cast were driving at high speed on a motorbike). This was later screened on stage during the performance. Nicola Cantel returned from university and played her usual role as principal boy, while Emma Williams played the title role as Princess Aurora. From the stylish opening, powerful musical numbers and excellent choreography, sellout audiences were given a night to remember.
This was the first time the Company had ever performed Hansel & Gretel in its 77 year history. Despite the credit crunch APC managed to keep ticket prices the same as in previous years. Stephen Clark who has a wealth of experience in all aspects of theatre returned as Producer and played the part of Tommy. While his double act Ken Jones played the familiar part as Dame Totty. Despite the show not being completely sold out, the production received excellent reviews, thanks to the talent cast and chorus. As ever audience participation was again popular as the pantomime featured its very own ‘Abergavenny’s Got Talent’.
Treasure Island was performed in 2010 for the first time ever in the Company’s long history. This production was perfect for a cold and snowy February in Abergavenny, where the Borough Theatre transformed into a tropical island in the sun. The show was slightly different to the original by Robert Louis Stevenson but contained many of the characters including Long John Silver, who was played by Len Lane with great stamina for one leg walking. Heaving chests, a secret map, beards and a seafaring yarn made up this traditional pantomime for all the family.
Half Term in February saw the stage of the Borough Theatre sparkle with the production of Puss in Boots. Staring Mollie Brickley-Clark as the delightful Puss. Also heading the cast as Dame Dumpling was the always popular Ken Jones, whose ever increasing eccentricities bring a new dimension to the role year after year. Supporting him as Big Mac and Little Slack were company newcomer Colin Lewis and comedy stalwart Stephen Clark, who also directed the production with his customary gusto. The large and energetic chorus grabbed everyone’s attention, under the guidance of musical director & choreographer Jaci Brickley-Clark, delighting with their every appearance, with I’m a Believer, Pack Up, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and the rafter-raising finale helped make this a truly memorable evening. This was traditional pantomime, purr-fect for all the family!
With Abergavenny Pantomime Company celebrating its landmark 80th anniversary it was only fitting that it made it a memorable one by performing Peter Pan. For the second time in the Company’s long history, cast and chorus members took to the air to fly high above the Borough Theatre’s stage with the assistance from ‘Flying by Foy’ who provided the flying effects. Just like in 2003, when APC last staged Peter Pan, the Production Team led by Stephen Clark and his wife Jaci Brickley-Clark deserved credit once again for ones of its best ever shows. Colourful, lively and packed with great music and fun Peter Pan had the audience gripped from its dramatic piratical opening to its 60s style finale. With APC investing much energy and money into the flying scenes, ticket prices were increased by a fraction. However with the tremendous reviews from sell out audiences and from the local press the end result was well worth it… …something which Abergavenny audiences have known for the past 80 years.
