I make no bones about it. I was a Theatre Geek in school. The costumes, the make up, the ability to step into other people's lives for a few minutes was so fun and exciting. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to get to take my kids to see Red Riding Hood at the Regent Centre this weekend.
When we sat down and I realized this was going to be a full on true-blue theatre experience that my kids might enjoy, it just about blew my mind. This particular performance was going to be a Pantomime. For those who aren't in the know, a Panto is where the audience gets to participate. They "boo" bad guys and "woo hoo" the good ones. Shouts of warning fly about when the heroine or hero is in danger. It's a full on no holds barred experience for everyone.
What I liked:
~ This is a hilarious John Morley adaptation which included show stopping songs and well choreographed dance routines.
~ The costumes and scenery were really well done.
~ The costumes and scenery were really well done.
~ Coral Newton plays Little Red Riding Hood and the girl's got some serious singing chops.
~ Granny and Cousin Tom, had the best energy out of all the cast and really gave it their all to make it a fun light hearted experience.
What I didn't like:
~ The show was 2.5 hours long people. 2.5 Hours. Have you ever tried to keep a 4 year old in a seat for 2.5 hours? This is a Panto advertised for kids. Even I didn't want to be there 2.5 hours. As a theatre geek, I couldn't help sitting there mentally cutting bits of material that could've easily been lost and kept the show enjoyable.
~ This was a tech heavy production. You can't afford technical mistakes in that kind of production. The sound levels needed improvement. You often couldn't hear people singing over the live orchestra or the music track. I'd have to say that was the most frustrating technical aspect. There were other issues like mic's and props missing at key points.
~This is my biggest gripe. For a children's production I thought there were some seriously unnecessary and inappropriate content included such as a joke about "Making love in cornfields" and how that goes against the grain. Or the leather bustier on Granny with the false breasts popping out the top in a disturbingly exaggerated way who then climbs into bed with a bottle of alcohol. Moments such as Cousin Tom trying to hit on the village girls in a cheeky and somewhat lewd way which got him slapped repeatedly. I could easily see how it'd be great to have for an audience on a Saturday night where aiming for a Rocky Horror Show vibe for adults makes sense but not so much for a children's production mostly consisting of children aged 4 and up.
Summary
I give Red Riding Hood 6.75 stars out of 10.
I think ticket prices were high at a range of £8.50-£12.50 for a local small show for children. On the brighter side, profits are reported to be donated to a charity. I wouldn't recommend this to any parents of younger children in the Christchurch area but it might be worth a night of entertainment to a slightly older audience who've had a few drinks. To make up for the absence of photo's/video of the performance here I am in my masquerading glory.
