Catherine Bennett resumes the weekly look at the performing arts world, with the sad end of Jerusalem, the luck of a cabbie, and French revolt. Do you hear the people sing?
Adam Alcock reviews Nigel Kennedy playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons and his own Four Elements at York Opera House.
Catherine Bennett highlights the trends in the performing arts world today.
Jonathan Cridford reviews 'Ghosts', one of the Freshers' plays for this year.
This year’s summer pantomime told the story of Arthur, ‘a king so famous we’re not really sure he ever existed.’ Performed at Derwent Lakeside, the set was not much more than a few props, like the amazing Excalibur (the titular Sword in the Stone) and some panto-bushes. Indeed, nothing more was needed.
The outdoor setting was - I’m sure – meant to give a feel of the summer, with suggestions of Pimm’s and picnics. However, last week the sun barely showed its face: a fact the pantoers no doubt noticed on Thursday when they got soaked during their dress rehearsal! Accordingly, the audience was advised to bring an umbrella as the cast would continue the performance unless the weather got ‘too bad.’ Luckily, it didn’t.
Despite the lovely communal atmosphere (as in, if it rains, we’re all buggered), being outside had predictable drawbacks. With the wind, a number of jokes got lost. Much of the song lyrics and the not-very-loud-music were whipped away too. Notable exceptions include the male leads Arthur (Adam Massingberd-Mundy) and Lancelot (Luke Malkin), who turned out to have impressive strong voices.
There were great characters, too. Arthur is a wet but sweet idiot, Lancelot had a lengthy kissing sesh with a mirror, Gawain is actually a girl (Karmun Sum was very good but not, luckily, so good as to actually be male. Everyone has their limits) and Guinevere pretty much a Lancelot groupie with an Amazon handmaiden guard. And Merlin! Such a Merlin there is – Sion Clark muttered and bumbled perfectly. Overall, everyone did a terrific job.
Perhaps the panto ought to have come with a warning: If you like your wizards fully-clothed, think twice. The Gandalf striptease is indeed not a memory I will easily forget Then again, kudos to the directors for drawing in the niche HotWetWizard.net market!
The Sword in the Stone is another fun and finely-acted performance by Pantsoc, though I found the script less funny than Jack and the Beanstalk performed earlier this year. But scriptwriters Amer Iqbal and John Rushton were certainly successful and put themselves in my favourite joke of the panto as personifications of the colours orange and purple: ‘Nothing rhymes with us!’
Another person who deserves a mention here is Stef Jo who skillfully managed to make beautiful people look like hobbits, creating a realistic crab (‘Crabsquiiiire’) and having goblins look French, Funky and Fit.
Although this panto had its flaws it was definitely worth the watch — it was perfectly suited for a picnic by the quiet place, Pimm’s and some relaxed entertainment. And alright, maybe an umbrella and some hot tea as well.
Hooray! 
I'm glad that at least one campus journalist enjoyed the panto! On a personal note I'm also glad that at least one part of my performance has been described as 'unforgettable'...
A triumph to watch! Well done guys!
Not so much a triumph for the Derwent Freshers in B-Block who were disturbed for several days in the middle of our exam season. Superb organisation.
I'm wondering Nathan, was the problem more of it's location next to B-block or the timing of the thing? I'm not attempting to stir, it's just that Pantsoc will most likely want to do one similar next year, and Derwent Lawn is a pretty fantastic place to do it. Would B-block been alright if it had been say...a week, two weeks earlier?
I came to watch the panto on Sunday night and was pretty appalled by the behaviour of the Derwent residents who played their music very very loud while the panto was going on...
On a more positive note the show was brilliant! well done!
Yeah the location was fine it was the timing more I think Adam. Although I understand that there are lots of exams going all throughout summer term two or even three weeks earlier would probably have been better. Maybe for next year if the residents are consulted more then an acceptable compromise could easily be reached.
I think the location was great this year - led to some interesting interactions with some of the lake's inhabitants! Absolutely LOVED the adaptation of Summer Loving, looking forward to next years!
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