There was an air of expectation in the near capacity audience at the Floral Pavilion they were not to be disappointed. This pantomime contained everything it should have - baddies to boo, well defined lead characters, plenty of slapstick humour and lots of well disciplined dancers for the ahh factor.
Charlotte Delaney was a confident Jack, linking up well with Steph Hatton as her sidekick, Will Sprout and Roxanne Male as Princess Marigold with Colin Harwood (King Sprout and Terry Davies (an excellent Dame Sprout) providing plenty of humour. Jed Flowerday and Graham Leigh (Grabbitt and Snatchitt) obviously enjoy working together, their comic timing was first rate, it was good to see them out in the audience before the showstarted. Estella Riley (Poppy) and Emilie Sutcliffe (Fairy Snow) were both well cast, Matthew Jones was a very lively Simple Simon and The Giant who coped really well with a very difficult costume, and Nina Flowerday with Victoria Delaney creating a well co-ordinated, traditional Daisy the Cow. Jenna Watkins was a brilliant Evil-Lyn, with a really strong voice and a super cackle!!!
The dancers were excellent, even the youngest Buds were confident with the choreography, well done to everyone (and Emma of course). The chorus all played their parts with the strong vocals, all the singing throughout being of a high standard. The sets were good with slick scene changes, costumes were beautiful, plenty of sparkle and the production was well directed.
The Chrysanthemums are the oldest pantomime society in England and after watching this show I am sure that they will continue for many more years.
