• HOME
• ABOUT US
• SHOWS
• MEMBERSHIP
• CONTACT US

Macclesfield Press Comment

Majestic team produce a perfect panto

In an age when modern TV drama pulls in audidences of millions, the ability of pantomime to delight audiences continues to amaze. Not only that, but you dont have to spend a fortune trekking into Manchester to see TV and pop stars go through the motions.

Macclesfield's own Majestic Theatre Group re-told the tale of Dick Whittington at the Fallibroome Theatre with a vitality and style which would be difficult for any professional company to better.

Not only that but the Majestic is now becoming settled in their new home - the Fallibroome Theatre - after a few years commuting to a variety of venues for their productions.

Now that the final touches are close to completion at Fallibroome, the new theatre is looking more promising, and it will be good to see the group settled in a venue with the kind of potential it offers.

No doubt the secret of successful panto is that we all know it is innocent entertainment which is that we all know it is innocent entertainment which is suitable for all ages, so that the oldest granny and the youngest child can go with the expectation of a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

But it still needs a production which fulfills the growing expectations of today's audiences - and the Majestic were not found wanting.

The plot is well know - Dick with his faithful pet, is persuaded to return to London, the scene of a false accusation, where he eventually becomes Mayor and marries his heroine. Yet the Majestic managed to tell a traditional tale with a freshness which kept the audience keen and interested from the first scene to the final curtain.

There is also room for innovation - some may even say it is essential. Dick Whittington met Starlight Express as one character spent the whole show on roller skates and shared in once "wheelie good" dance duet, and the appearance of a female villain - Queen Rat - gave added spice to the banter with the audience.

Good panto demands first class teamwork with characters interdependant for much of the comedy. The Majestic scored heavily here, and it would be wrong to single out individuals, for one weak link would have meant disaster for the whole show.