East Markham Village Hall was left echoing to the sound of laughter, applause and enthusiastic audience participation as Markham Players ended their 2019 three-night run in their home venue. The production was ‘Dick Whittington’ — directed by Kev Micklethwaite and Angela Allan — and as the audience made their way home, uttering ‘amazing’, ‘so funny, and ‘the best yet’, the cast and crew were already dismantling, collecting and packing all their sets, props and costumes for the mammoth move to Dunham on Trent where two more performances were due to follow the next weekend.
It is notable that as the years move on the cast changes, but the enjoyment doesn’t. Regular attenders will have been amazed at how some of the young actors have grown up — literally as well as in performance. This year Ralph Whittall, who has previously taken smaller parts, stepped up with great charm and skill to tackle the leading role of Dick with his cat played by Julia Allen. There were no young dancers with their own number this year — all the young ones are now undertaking speaking parts and dancing along with the adults, which they did extremely well.
No panto would be complete without a dame and Markham Players is blessed with two. John Mitchell took a major role this year as the outrageous Bow Bella and seemed to relish the opportunity to play with the audience from behind his spectacular make up. Mark Thornton once played a quiet role as a farmer, but those days are well behind him and he is now obviously very happy in the flamboyant dame role.
Tony Bell is a stalwart of the company and this year played Alderman Fitzwarren, father of Alice, Dick’s love interest. Alice was a delight. Young, confident and able to sing delightfully as well as to enjoy the interaction with both the audience and young master Whittington, Amélie Woodwards charmed everyone. It was astonishing when Chairman Bob Gale announced that she was the new member of the company, having stepped into the role at short notice. We have to hope she enjoyed it and continues the tradition at Markham Players of new members bringing something very special to their performances.
Also starring were Mary Dainton, Sarah Woodwards, Greg Morrall, Alannah Whittall, Pauline Lindsey, Joe Duane, Harry Allen, Fraser Ridgeway and Richard Ballard.
Markham Players have a loyal following and are a friendly and committed group with a family feel across a wide range of ages. Faces often seen on the stage were spotted returning this year to support their friends.
The Players always welcome help with any aspect of the production specially costumes, props, sound, lighting and effects, back stage and front of house as well as performing. Enthusiasm and a willingness to commit are the main qualifications so, if you would like to be part of the next production, contact them via their Facebook page ‘Markham Players’ or on the website, www.markhamplayers.co.uk.