This year’s panto was “Robinson Crusoe” from the pen of Jim Sperinck.
Brief Synopsis
Robinson, driven from Plymouth, finds adventure on the seas, and even under the sea, where he is helped by Queen Neptune. Finally arriving on a desert island to meet the inevitable Man (Utd) Friday, he finds a fortune and returns home rich. Lively pantomime with, great character parts, including pirate – Captain Hook Long John Silver Morgan Blackbeard!
Cast
- Baroness Bossalot: A thorough snob. She wants her daughter to marry the rich Cedric, and not her chosen Robinson.
- Rosie: Principal girl. A straight, demanding role. She is determined to marry Robinson, in spite of her mother’s wishes.
- Robinson Crusoe: Principal boy. A fairly straight and demanding part. Full of good principles, upright and honourable.
- Mrs Crusoe: A traditional Dame. An eccentric character, energetic, full of life, who enjoys her own jokes immensely, Must be able to dominate, change mood quickly, and interact with the audience.
- Cedric: Young comedy part. Upper class, but loyal, friend of Rosie and Robinson.
- Captain Hook, Long John Silver, Morgan, Blackbeard: A completely “over the top” eccentric character. A dishonest, lovable rogue, who talks to his parrot all the time, and answers back in a comic attempt at ventriloquism. A very demanding character part, which will call for considerable confidence, experience, and stage presence.
- Mate: Side-kick, and foil, to the Captain. A simple-hearted fellow who should have the audience on his side, as he bears the brunt of the Captain’s humour, and tells his child-like jokes.
- King Rumble Tum: Dreaded ruler of Robinson’s Desert Island. A small part, but must be able to completely change character.
- Man (United) Friday: A supporting role. Football crazy, superstitious, Desert Island friend of Robinson.
- Queen Neptune: Long-suffering wife of Neptune. Combining the qualities of a queen, with those of a tour guide!She decides to assist Robinson and Rosie, and to thwart the greedy Baroness Bossalot, with whom she can double. if desired.
- Warriors: King Rumble Turn’s guards. The lines can be spoken by one. or shared out between two, or more.
OIly the Octopus: Lovable pet of Queen Neptune. Male or female junior member of the cast.