Di and Viv and Rose

6th April 2017

Author: M Coltman, NODA

This is an interesting play about the friendships formed between 3 girls that last a lifetime by Amelia Bullmore.

Barbara Evans has a great cast in this play, and the simple set works very well. The intro at the start of each act helps set the scene. The first scene is set in the University Halls and sees the girls bumping into each other at different times whilst using the phone to call home. Lighting effects are used to feature the passing of time. Soon they start to become friends and Rose’s stepfather buys a house that they can all live in it whilst they continue their education.

Di is played by Michelle Turner, she is the sporty friendly one and she comes over very well. She is attacked one night in the house and the others help her through it, which makes them all stronger. Viv is played by Sara Yarwood, she is the clever one that wants to get on in life, and ends up getting her dream job, moving to America. Rose is played by Sara Woodley, she is the silly, flirty, good time girl who wants to have fun and gets into all sorts of trouble and the others have to keep giving her advice that she never listens too. She ends up expecting twins.

The story comes across very well, and shows how the lives of the three keep changing as time goes on. Viv invites Di and Rose to stay with her in New York for a holiday, Di now has a girlfriend and Rose has found a man that wants to marry her and help her bring up her boys. There is some nice chemistry between the three, and they have all worked hard to get their characters just right. There is also a touching scene when we find out Rose has died. Viv and Di drift apart but then come back together at the end.

Well done to you all.

The 39 Steps

DATE 26th November 2016

DIRECTOR John Petroff

Report

Author: Marie Coltman, NODA

This was a great comedy thriller, based on the iconic film of the same name by John Buchan & Alfred Hitchcock, that had been cleverly adapted by Patrick Barlow. It includes lots of set pieces with lots of hilarious twists and turns.

Director John Petroff has a great cast to work with, the set was simple but very effective and the comedy timing with the sound and lighting all worked well together.

We had not seen this play before so did not know what to expect, it starts with Richard Hannay, excellently played by Mathew Stone, setting the scene in his apartment. He then goes to the music hall and meets Annabella Schmidt, nicely played by Sara Woodly. They are watching the compare (Bruce McIntosh) and Mr Memory (Harold Gasnier) holding the stage with the memory act.

Once Richard and Annabella are back at the apartment, she tells him they have been followed by two men who are down in the street by the lamp post, Richard goes to the window, the two men appear on stage with the lamppost, sending the audience into fits of laughter. We knew from then on we would be in for a great night.

Another excellent comedy moment was when Annabella had been stabbed and had fallen across Richard, sat in his chair. Mathew’s comic timing came in to full effect when the phone rang and he had to get out of the chair by sliding underneath the ‘corpse’ without moving her. He then covered her up with a cloth and left for the station.

I also liked the train scene - this again was very funny with Mathew ‘clinging’ on to the outside edge of the train whilst being chased by the police.

There are lots of scenes in the play whilst the story unfolds, but the pace never dropped and kept us laughing all the time.

The cast all take on various roles throughout the play and it’s difficult to single out everyone, as they each took on every character with great style. This was an excellent play and you should all be very proud of yourselves.

Murder at Grange Towers

DATE 29th April 2016

DIRECTOR John Conway

Report

Author: M Coltman, NODA

This murder mystery was written by John Conway and Caroline Baker and was also directed by John Conway, this made for a great evening’s entrainment.

There was a simple set and I liked the way the prompt was on one side of the stage and the special effects person with the door bell noises etc sat on the other. The cast all worked hard introducing themselves one by one to the audience, and established their characters and the relationship to Lord Swansong, played by Mark Sterling, the victim of the piece.

He had called them all to his home to inform them he had changed his will and he was leaving everything to his nurse Samantha, nicely played by Emily Norris, and would be signing the new one the following morning. They were all shocked by this news so ‘someone’ murdered him before this could happen, but who??

Everyone played their part very well, but who did it? (Helen and Gerald Piper) Jane Waller & Adam Ogilvie, (The Vicar) Nick Lavies, (Edvina) the elder daughter of the Pipers, Joy Bacon, her adopted sister (Jodie) Alexandra Francis or her boyfriend (Jamie) John Painter. Other choices are the housekeeper (Mrs Tidy) Jane MacLean, (Mr Wanhung Lowa) the fitness adviser Jeremy Seacombe, (Jemima), Helen’s sister Sara Yarwood, or (Barking) the game keeper Chris Murray.

The audience was then treated to a ploughman’s while they started to make their minds up; the cast circulated the hall so you could ask questions.

Act two features (Detective Smart) John Convway and (Sergeant Major) Susan Young asking questions and trying to find out who did it and why. Both played their parts very well.

After another short interval we all handed in our answer sheets, the cast then are questioned once again with the Detective revealing the murderer and why. He then went through our answer papers to see if the audience had come to the same conclusions.

A great night was had by all. Well done

Plays, Ploughmans and Pizzazz

DATE 24th October 2015

DIRECTOR John James

MUSICAL DIRECTOR Milford Musicale

Report

Author: M Coltman, NODA

~~Sway this year had a great idea to do something a little different with two plays, singers and food, and what a great evening it turned out to be. Director John James has worked well with a very good cast.

The first play was Early Blight by Jean McConnell, which was about an over powering mother that has taken over her daughter’s life by getting her to always be there and look after her. Set on the prom mother keeps complaining about all sorts of things, as her daughter just sits there listening, after returning from home with her knitting, its then her turn to have a go back. Having accidentally knocked over a vase to find it contained letters from a boy friend that had emigrated some years before asking her to join him, mother thought it best not to show her as for her selfish reasoning that she would be left on her own. Needless to say it was just the push the daughter needed to leave and make her own life. Well played ladies.

We then had a selection of songs from the shows sung by Milford Musicale, solos and duets nicely sung by everyone made for an enjoyable section to the programme. The group came across very well and you could tell they and the audience enjoyed themselves.

During the interval we had a very nice ploughman’s served by the company members.

The second half opened with another play Mother Figure by Alan Ayckbourne. This play was mainly about Lucy a mum at home looking after her children while her husband Harry works away. She is on her own all the time with the children and hardly sees’s anyone. Her neighbour Rosemary calls round because the husband can’t get through on the phone as she won’t answer it.

She ends up talking to the neighbours Rosemary and Terry just like children and makes them sit down and have a drink before they are allowed to leave, she helps them with their problems but can’t seem to help herself with her marriage problems by just talking to her husband as he is always away. Well cast and very enjoyable.

All in all a very good night.

Run For Your Wife

DATE 23rd April 2015

DIRECTOR John James

Report

Author: Marie Coltman, NODA

~~Run for your Wife - Ray Cooney

I really enjoyed this production directed by John James it was very well cast and I liked the way the stage was split in half to represent each home with a central settee for both ‘rooms’. This is an excellent set with a lot of attention to detail so well done to all those that helped with the making of it.

The audience are in for a treat from the moment the curtain went up with John Smith (Mathew Stone) doing a great job of running a double life going between his two wives lovingly played by Mary Smith (Lisa Siuda) and Barbara Smith (Dawn Cresswell) providing he sticks to his schedule. You have to follow the story but soon realise that nothing is what it seems and John’s love triangle is about to fall apart before him.

After receiving a bump to the head and being brought home by the police he realises he is with the wrong wife, the other wife meanwhile has now reported him missing to the police and so starts the comedy.

He has to confide in his friend and neighbour Stanley Gardner (Chris Davis) and the lies get deeper and funnier with Stanley thinking he is helping his friend but also making things a lot worse. There are lots of funny moments with everyone playing there parts very well. Detective Sergeant Troughton (Kim Walker) Detective Sergeant Porterhouse (Mike Walker) are good in their roles and Bobby Franklin (John Petroff) has some nice moments and lastly the news reporter (Chris Murray).

Thank you for a great show.

Marie Coltman NODA REP 13

It’s Alright on the Night

DATE 25th October 2013

DIRECTOR John James

CHOREOGRAPHER Michelle Turner & Rosie Thomas

Report

Author: Stuart Ardern, NODA

Variety entertainment is rather a hit and miss business - but then that’s part of the point; it’s unlikely that every element will please everyone, but there should be something for everyone, and, indeed, there was. John James had pulled together a wide range of acts with no particular unifying theme. In itself, that’s fine - variety shows don’t need to have a theme (Sunday Night At The London Palladium never did!) - but I felt that the show lost a bit of focus because of the breadth of the material, which took us from 19th century poetry to 21st century stand-up.

There were some good sketches (a mixture of well-known material and pieces by uncredited members of the company). Amongst the highlights, a Victoria Wood sketch set on a Health Farm with Lisa Siuda doing a very funny turn as the manageress who was so far out of her depth that she had become disengaged from the English language.

You would have thought that “The One-Eyed Yellow Idol” had been done to death. (It dates from 1911, and is a staple of Music Hall revivals.) Not so. Jeremy and Melanie Seacombe managed to give it some genuine comic originality by combining it with a “someone else’s arms” routine - he did the monologue, she provided his hands. I suppose this is so funny because there’s a perpetual element of danger - neither the audience nor the performers know quite what’s going to happen. This makes me wonder if that’s why some of the older material didn’t quite come off. Sara Yarwood made an excellent job of Joyce Grenfell’s nursery school monologue (“George, don’t do that”), but it didn’t get a big reaction from the audience; the sketch is so familiar that it lacks that element of risk and surprise. On the other hand, Dennis Eason’s rendition of “Gunner Joe” went down well; it’s one of the Stanley Holloway monologues (from 1933) but probably benefits from being one of the lesser-known parts of the canon.

Mark Weston provided the stand-up, some of which fell flat and some drew the biggest laughs of the evening. (It’s the problem all comedians have; the material needs a lot of road-testing to find out what works and to get to a consistent balanced set.)

Amongst the musical turns, there were songs from the company, an excellent Can-Can and a couple of solo songs in each half from Sharon Willegers and Derek Verney. It was Derek who provided the highlight of the evening for me, with a rich comfortable bass rendering of "Old Man River".

Fawlty Towers

DATE 26th April 2013

DIRECTOR John Petroff

Report

Author: Stuart Ardern

I think John Petroff made a good choice in casting Mathew Stone as Basil Fawlty. Stone is a different physical type from John Cleese which meant that he could get on with playing the role rather than crossing the boundary from acting to impersonation, which is the risk of such familiar - even iconic - material. For the rest of the hotel staff, we saw Michelle Turner in a marvellously comic wig as the argumentative Sybil, David Hughes with a deliberately slow walk as the perpetually puzzled Manuel, the butt of much of Basil’s violent streak, and Lisa Suida as Polly, the token competent person amongst the staff of miscommunicating misfits.

The evening was made up of two episodes from the television show. In the first half, Mark Ward was hilarious as the opinionated commercial traveller, Mr Hutchison, a guest suspected by Basil of being one of the Hotel Inspectors. The comic timing of his final slapstick exit was excellent. (In a novel twist, the “real” Hotel Inspectors continued in character into the interval, and drew the raffle.)

In the second half, we met The Germans. This required more set, as both Sybil and Basil have spells in hospital. The additional location was neatly achieved by means of a bed on a low-level extension of the apron stage. Back on the main stage, Bob Hayward gave a very entertaining portrayal of the unthinkingly racist Major with his reminiscences of cricket and a bizarre conversation with a moose’s head.

Comedy Playhouse - April 7-9th 2011

Report from Southern Daily Echo

COMEDY Playhouse was a showcase for two new, very contrasting scripts and directorial debuts from two of its members.

A Date to Remember was a credible first attempt by Lisa Siuda. Two very different lawyers share a flat - Mike always gets the girl but Jonathan is a disaster. Mike decides to send Jonathan on a blind date, but mistaken identities and chaos ensue. Eben Skilleter (Jonathan) was solid as the 'straight-man' to Mathew Walker's energetically comic Mike, and the two made a good 'odd couple'.

After a musical interval and a bangers-and-beans supper, Skilleter turned director with My Zombie Grandpa in which Billy's recently deceased grand-father returns from the dead as greedy relatives argue over his will.

Penelope Wright was very assured and inhabited the role of haughty, avaricious Celia while Matt Brown (Billy) had great comic timing and interpretation.

Totally surreal, rather crazy, this was well-paced, an impressive debut and a lot of fun!

Anne Waggott

Robinson Crusoe : January 27th - 30th, 2010

Lymington Times, Courtesy of the Lymington Times

Sway Drama Club sets sail on ‘Robinson Crusoe’ pantomime

Nautical high-jinks and an assortment of popular musical numbers set the scene for Sway Drama Club’s inventive production of ‘Robinson Crusoe’.

Creative and well-placed scenery smoothly allowed a series of set changes as the cast embarked on a daring voyage from Southampton Docks in search of Caribbean treasure.

Director John Petroff had hoped to stage the Rogers and Hammerstein musical ‘South Pacific’, but after being persuaded it may be too complex, he opted for John Morley’s version of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ woven in with a medley of Abba songs.

However, there was still room to draw in some elements of ‘South Pacific’ and a wonderful underwater scene also harked back to ‘the Little Mermaid’.

Musical director Jo Corbin did a sterling job incorporating so many songs, and with a little help from choreographers Michelle Turner and Rosie Thomas the production team also managed to include several tap dancing sequences.

The story begins at Southampton docks as the crew of the Mary Rose is preparing to embark on a voyage of discovery.

The ship’s Captain Perkins (James Hoare) has forbidden his daughter Polly (Polly Ashness) to join the crew, claiming it will be too dangerous when they reach the pirate-infested waters of the West Indies.

Also banned from the adventure is the wonderfully flamboyant, Chrissie Crusoe (Ray Adnett) who was every bit the pantomime dame in his eccentrically colourful mix of guises.

Just as young and dashing Robinson Crusoe (Sharon Willegers) is about to board the ship, he is accosted by Old Jim (Richard Paskins) who gives him a secret treasure map.

However, Blackpatch the pirate (Eben Skilleter), modelled on Jack Sparrow from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film, has witnessed the exchange and decides to stow away aboard the Mary Rose to seize the treasure himself.

Not to be outdone, Chrissie and Polly also find a suitable hiding place shortly before the ship departs.

After an eventful journey, full of pirate espionage and undersea encounters, the crew finds itself washed up on a tropical island run by an exotic queen (Linda Williams) who is quite literally a “man-eater”.

Much to-ing and fro-ing follows as the goodies try to outsmart the baddies and vice versa, until the treasure is eventually retrieved and the obligatory pantomime weddings commence.

With lots of local references and catchy songs, Sway Drama Club worked hard to create an entertaining show. The extensive cast and numerous set changes were professionally managed and the inclusive attitude ensured everyone had their moment in the limelight.

R.W.

Southern Daily Echo

Courtesy of the Southern Daily Echo

PANTO meets musical theatre in this thoroughly nautical show where the whole cast sing with their hearts to numbers from South Pacific, The Little Mermaid and Abba. Andrew McGivney gives a delicious solo performance, and Jo Corbin, musical director, is to be congratulated for bringing a high level of musicality to a pantomime.

Robinson Crusoe and the mariners set sail for the West Indies with a treasure map, little realising Blackpatch, the much booed pirate captain (Eben Skilleter), has plans to get to the goodies first. Hi-jinks and slapstick abound from Bill and Ben, a cheeky pair of deck-swabbers (Sara Woodley and Michelle Turner), Kenny Crusoe, Robinson’s lively brother (Rupert Ferder) and Mrs Crusoe (Ray Adnett) in an ever-higher series of outfits.The costumes are a delight and talented young dancers add grace and charm to the evening’s entertainment.

Barbara Godwin

Tony Edwards

Robinson Crusoe – Review by Tony Edwards

The Sway Drama Club production of Robinson Crusoe, proved to be an outstanding success. Demand for tickets exceeded expectations and to meet the increased level of interest, an additional performance was arranged for Saturday morning, making three performances on the final day.

One of the joys of Pantomime is that we all know the traditional story-line, so we look for the additional content that marks out this production from others. The Sway Drama Club did not let us down. The show opened with songs from South Pacific, with the entire cast giving rousing renditions of ‘Nothing Like a Dame’ and ‘Wash that Man right out of my hair’. They were off to a good start.

Robinson Crusoe was played by Sharon Willegers in the traditional Principal boy role. The girl friend – Polly Perkins – was played by Polly Ashness. Every pantomime needs humour and the Dame played by Ray Adnett provided plenty of laughs. Rupert Ferder played her son, Kenny Crusoe and he, together with Sara Woodley and Michelle Turner proved to be an excellent support team in the laughs department. Not to forget Julie Manion, who played ‘The Fairy Detergenta, who brought tears to my eyes.

The Pirate villain ‘Blackpatch’, played by Eben Skilleter, gave a lusty performance in the ‘aye Jim lad’ tradition. Armed to the teeth, he posed a threat to virtually the entire cast, until he was undone with a ‘frying pan’ wielded by Pretty Polly Perkins. The cast totalled over 30 and every member made a strong contribution. The enthusiasm of all concerned will provide a lasting memory.

I had the pleasure of attending the Dress Rehearsal and I was struck by the professionalism of the Director – John Petroff, Bernard Dunleavy the Stage Manager and all the ‘backroom’ team. Attention to detail and the care taken in getting the stage positions and lighting just right was of the highest order.

The sets were impressive. The clever use of perspective gave the ‘poop deck’ a very realistic look. While views of the Desert Island and the Ruined Temple, provided the perfect back-cloth.

Finally, great credit is due to the ‘Orchestra’. Musical Director Jo Corbin is an accomplished pianist and she was given excellent support by Sophie Taylor – Violin and Stuart Jones – drums.

We are fortunate in our village to have such a talented group of people bringing us quality productions year after year. The 2010 pantomime was one of the best yet. Thank you.

Sway To The Music : June 25th - 27th, 2009

Lymington Times

Courtesy of the Lymington Times

SWAY DRAMA CLUB’S SUMMER CABARET SUCCESS

Signalling the traditional start of carnival week, the talented members of Sway Drama Club offered up a rousing feel-good summer caberet that cleverly combined old time favourites with popular musical numbers.

Entitled ‘Sway to the Music’, the performers transported the audience back to the era of old time music halls with classics like “Kiss me Goodnight Sergeant Major” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”.

Musical Director Jo Corbin selected an impressive repertoire to deliver just the right combination of rousing full cast numbers and soulful solo performances to maintain a good pace throughout the show.

The melodies were cleverly linked together with a story about a team of friends trying to relaunch a club, which allowed the entire cast to remain on stage for much of the performance.

The talents of Stuart Jones on drums and Sophie Taylor on the violin were made obvious by the seemingly effortless manner in which the cast manoeuvred through the musical marathon of more than 30 songs.

Andrew McGivney’s moving performance of “Bring him home” was a memorable highlight as was Margaret Soares’ hilarious version of “To keep my Love Alive”.

The second act focused on more popular hits from the musicals including the ever entertaining “Master of the House” from ‘Les Miserables’ performed by Richard Paskins and the company, “I love Paris” from ‘Can-Can’, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from the ‘Lion King’ and “All I ask of You” from the ‘Phantom of the Opera’.

The audience was actively encouraged to join the sizeable cast in singing and clapping along throughout the show and clearly enjoyed the opportunity.

The show concluded with a full company melody of Abba hits including “I Have a Dream”, “Mama Mia” and “Waterloo”, which was then reprised in response to audience calls for an encore.

Simple but effective costumes were combined with excellent props to get the scene for an entertaining evening, which the talented cast ultimately delivered.

R.W.

Southern Daily Echo

Courtesy of the Southern Daily Echo

Sway to the Music

A balmy evening saw us gathered in the village hall to watch Sway Drama Club’s annual cabaret. The first half focused on Old Time Music Hall and the second added more popular musicals. It was not however a game of two halves because their song choices blended well and were interwoven with a story involving the performers, which was a refreshing change to the one on, one off usual.

Jo Corbin, Musical Director had done a good job and all the songs were sung well and some excellently, like Andrew McGivney’s moving ‘Bring him Home’ and ‘Bui Doi’, supported by the chorus. The audience were appreciative and at times it felt like the hall had been rigged with surround sound, so many were joining in (and were encouraged to do so). The band was just right and played with care and skill. Some fun choreography and a simple but effective set added to the community atmosphere but the overall picture was one far above what might be expected of a small village production.

Rebecca Welsh

One Act Plays or "Something with a Bite" :
April 23rd - 25th, 2009

Southern Daily Echo

Courtesy of the Southern Daily Echo

TRIPLE FARE PROVES A TASTY BITE TO BEAT

'Something with a bite!’ was the witty title introducing Sway Drama Club’s triple-decker of short comedy plays, accompanied by a ploughman’s supper.

Set in Charing Cross Station, ‘Blind Date’ was the appetiser, a slow-building double-header observing the unpredictability of illicit assignations, handled well by its two potential dates as they used monologues in asides before briefly connecting.

Two helpings of Ayckbourn followed: ‘Between Mouthfuls’ boiled away deliciously with the escalating tension between the two couples as the waiter, in a droll manuelesque-manner, performed his duties, oblivious to the eruptions around him, while ‘Gosforths Fete’ also sizzled as one disaster after another unfolded with hilarious consequences.

Congratulations to John Conway for creating three very different settings within the limitations of a village hall; quality sound effects – particularly the tannoy system in the station – should also be commended. Strong characterisations, slick comic timing and visual slapstick all combined for an enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

Anne Waggott

New Milton Advertiser

Courtesy of the New Milton Advertiser

Sway Drama Club serves up 'Something With a Bite'

ADULTEROUS antics and mid-life crises were the theme for a hilarious evening of entertainment served up by the hard-working cast of Sway Drama Club.

Their three-night run of 'Something With a Bite' offered villagers the chance to do just as the name suggested and enjoy a tasty ploughman's meal while entertained with a well chosen selection of one-act plays.

First on the menu was Frank Marcus's rather tragic comedy 'Blind Date' featuring the misguided frolics of Brian and Angie as they search for excitement.

The pair, who both appear to be happily settled with their respective partners, had pledged to meet at Charing Cross railway station in the hope of living out the lust-filled fantasies built up during a rather steamy phone call.

However, as is often the case, reality does not measure up and the pair fail to recognise each other with Angie left waiting for her James Bond look-a-like, while Brian shuffles about nervously beside her unable to see anything due to a missing contact lens.

By the time Angie eventually realises who he is, her dream has evaporated and in the cold light of day her dependable partner suddenly seems far more attractive. John Petroff does an excellent job as a middle-aged man hanging on to the last strands of his youth complemented by Lisa Siuda as a convincing bored young secretary looking for an adventure.

Next up were two offerings from the master of comedy farces, Alan Ayckbourn, exploring the exploits of two women each desperately trying to engage their partner's attention.

Set in a hotel dining room 'Between Mouthfuls' gives the audience a voyeuristic view into the lives of two couples: Polly (Polly Ashness) and Martin (Matt Brown), and Mr and MRs Pearce (James Hoare and Gundreda Whatley), who are apparently associated by a work connection.

Passing between them is the oh-so-subtle waiter (John James) who carefully masks his reaction to their emotional exchanges. The story is cleverly written so the audience only ever hears the conversation that the waiter is witnessing, but the brief sound bites are enough to build a jigsaw picture of each of the characters.

Polly is frustrated that her career-driven husband Martin does not listen to her, and Mrs Pearce is convinced her spouse, who has been away on business, is conducting an illicit affair.

As the action flits between the tables, it becomes clear that both women's concerns are very real and Polly eventually confesses she has been having an affair with Mr Pearce. Predictably her husband is unfazed and only worries that it could affect his career.

The final offering of the evening was 'Gosforth's Fete' giving a snapshot of village life as an assortment of volunteers is thrown together for a fundraising do for the new village hall.

Unsurprisingly, nothing is going according to plan, with torrential rain, leaky tea urns and unruly Wolf Cubs, compounded by a rather embarrassing private conversation that is broadcast over the loudspeaker system.

The rather posh Mrs Fortescue (Penelope Wright) is being shown around by the dotty vicar (Sue Brown), and sweet Milly (Sacsha Forshaw) decides it is the right time to tell Gosforth (Ian Dupoy) she is pregnant with his child.

Unfortunately 10 surrounding fields and half the village's population, including Milly's fiancee Stewart (Charles Aries), are also party to the startling revelation when the PA system suddenly comes to life.

Simple costumes and props allowed the cast to execute the clear scripts to maximum effect and ensured that an entertaining evening was had by all.

R.W.

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood :
Jan 28th - 31st, 2009

Sway News

ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD

Sway Drama Club’s panto started with a rousing chorus and continued to delight for the rest of the performance.

The chorus singing and dancing was very impressive all through the show. The children slipped onto the extended stage quickly and quietly and managed to do their part well, even though they were so close to the audience.

Jo Corbin, who played the keyboard, was strong and loud when needed but also knew when to quieten down – lovely sound.

My first thoughts, after the show, were what do the Dunleavys do in their spare time? Do they have any? Bernard wrote and directed this great traditional panto. Laraine played Nurse Goodbody with such an expressive face we started laughing before she spoke. Well done both of you.

Penelope Wright, as a swashbuckling Robin Hood, was strong and kind but with a cheeky streak and really able with a sword and bow and arrows. Talking of bow and arrows, what a clever idea to use the wood nymphs to spirit the arrows towards the target by passing them from one to the other. They also narrated the story with really clear voices. Well done Emily Manion (who also sang a delightful solo), Abbie Freeman and Carol Monk.

Lovely Polly Ashness came across as a kind, thoughtful and sparky Maid Marion with a clear speaking and sweet singing voice.

John Petroff really became the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham inviting us to boo loudly every time he spoke or even looked at the audience. Great bit of ‘over the top’ character acting.

Poor, poor pathetic Coppit, the Sheriff’s henchman, never got anything right but such a kind, bumbling character marvellously played by Rupert Ferder. I really felt he needed a hug.

The two Babes, Brooklyn and Britney, were sweet but thank goodness naughty sometimes. Well done Gabriel Williams and Lauren Stevens.

Ian Dupoy, perfectly cast as Friar Tuck, had a quiet but clear voice and a wicked smile.

Little John and Anging Arry were well portrayed by Mark Ward, especially Arry’s wicked laugh. Bottle Porter and Pinta Porta – Nicole Dupoy and Julie Manion – kept popping up in odd places with energetic singing and great expressions.

I cannot praise Sway Drama Club enough for a wonderful evening. Sets were great, costumes were colourful and great fun. Special mention for the kitchen scene and the creepy dungeon – and I loved the skeletons and the stripes! It is still amazing how the club players manage to change scenes so smoothly especially with thirty eight cast members.

Well done all of you.

Molly Braint

Courtesy of the The Southern Daily Echo

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

Immaculately groomed players, strong musical performances and up-to-the-minute jokes mark this as a polished and entertaining panto.

Director and writer Bernard Dunleavy is to be applauded for the high standard of presentation, and for a script teeming with irrepressible characters and good-hearted slapstick.

When Robin ventures into Nottingham, he falls head-over-heels in love with the gorgeous Maid Marion. The evil Sheriff interferes, and everyone sets out to save the children who have been abandoned in the woods.

Penelope Wright gives a hearty, thigh-slapping performance as Robin. Aided by the fabulous Nurse Goodbody (Laraine Dunleavy) and a versatile group of very merry men (Mark Ward, Ian Dupoy and David Leavesley), he succeeds in outsmarting the Sheriff – a magnificent John Petroff. Singers, dancers and a chorus of all ages add their charm and talent to the show.

Barbara Godwin

Courtesy of The New Milton Advertiser

Double helping of panto fun at Sway

OLD English legend and modern day wit combined as Sway Drama Club commanded the village stage for an enthusiastic perfomance of 'Robin Hood and The Babes in the Wood'. Written and directed by Forest resident Bernard Dunleavy, the pantomime fairytale boasted a sizable cast of almost 40 including a junior and senior chorus. Choreography provided plenty of chances for the whole cast to appear together for a selection of well-known songs. The Saturday matinee performance ensured the doors were also flung open to the youngest villagers, who were engaged in the fun with plenty of chances to join in.

The hero of the tale, Robin Hood, (Penelope Wright), began by calling upon the audience to join his band of merry men and fight against the extortionate taxes charged by the wicked sheriff of Nottingham (John Petroff).

Impressive scenery and colourful costumes transported the action back to a fair on the outskirts of Nottingham as Robin and his loyal companions Tucky (Ian Dupoy) and Will Scarlet (David Leavesley), are busy hatching a plan to win an archery contest and use the valuable prize to buy supplies for the hungry villagers.

Despite the appearance of the beautiful Maid Marion (Polly Ashness), Robin maintains his concentration to win the golden arrow before revealing his true identity to the sheriff and his slow witted side-kick Coppitt (Rupert Ferder). But Robin is able to make good his escape as the crowd's attention is diverted by the arrival of the flamboyant Nurse Goodbody (Laraine Dunleavy) and the sheriff's nephew and niece Brooklyn (Gabriel Williams) and Britney (Lauren Stevens).

As the story unfolds it became clear the two babes have much to fear from their villainous uncle who is intent on murdering them and claiming a fortune that has been left by their father. However, Robin is sworn to protect them and together with Marion and Will he returns to school to keep a watchful eye on the youngsters.

The second act twists and turns as the sheriff imprisons Marion in the castle dungeon and sends Coppitt out into the Forest with instructions to murder the babes. But in the spirit of all good fairytales, the hero eventually wins the day, after Robin escapes execution and declares his undying love for Marion.

Strong performances from the principal cast members were combined to maximum effect with artistic backdrops and wonderful music. With plenty of local references and well-known songs, Sway Drama Club produced the feel-good factor and offered up plenty to keep the audience entertained. It was nice to see that most of the village appeared to be getting involved in one way or another, and the fun had by all shone through.

R.W.