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MICKLEOVER PLAYERS

Review of Robinson Crusoe

The following review of Robinson Crusoe by Fiona Watson appeared in the Derby Evening Telegraph on Wednesday 14th December.

This panto is essentially by the people of Mickleover, for the people of Mickleover, nevertheless, the Mickleover Players have come a long way since I started watching them five years agao. This year they offered a slight variation on the usual staples with Robinson Crusoe, one of the lesser-done pantos. The script was well written and had been adapted to include local jokes.

The set was simple and done to a small budget, however, there were some great ideas, most notably with the worm and smashing plates in the kitchen scene. I was very impressed with the UV underwater section. The UV puppets were the best I have seen and much thought had gone into making this a comedy piece rather than random sea creatures swimming across the stage. The band, too, was a cut above average with some great musical arrangements and some original songs written for the show.

Vivacious, young Lauren Breese played the title role Robinson Crusoe with much energy. I also enjoyed Nick Barker as Nutty Nick. He worked very hard at engaging the audience and looked as if he was really enjoying himself throughout. Cordell Jackson’s Man Friday was also on the mark, along with newcomer Megan Webb as Mumbo Jumbo. Stealing the limelight again was Roger Milligan. His dame was akin to that of Les Dawson, and despite the fact that he obviously veered right away from his scripted lines on many occasions, he was fabulous and very funny.

Overall a desert island delight!