The Phantom of the Op'ry
Form 1 production - March 2010
BEWARE . . .
If you made it to this year’s Form 1 production, you will have heard this word echoing between the walls of our makeshift theatre.
Director Jon Pinchin-Hughes’ latest (and, sadly, penultimate) dramatic production was a hit; a clever and satirical spoof of the famous ‘Phantom of the Opera’ story, entitled Phantom of the Op’ry.
Set in the Skunk Creek Op’ry House, the play follows the problems which arise as Mike Hotchkiss hands the Op’ry House over to Louisa Pampermouse. Traditionally a place for Grand Opera, Louisa is planning a season of vaudeville for the theatre – much to the displeasure of the delightfully demonstrative diva, the opera star Carlotta Barracuda.
But Louisa’s plans upset another of the residents; Erik, the Phantom who dwells in the rafters above the Op’ry House. This ghoulish character was played very well by David Peek (who I’m told didn’t have to try very hard). Erik only wants to be with Christine, a lowly chorus girl who aspires to be like Carlotta, and listen to her beautiful voice.
As the story unfolds, bodies begin to appear and the Phantom’s appearances become more and more frequent. Things never quite go according to plan for Erik however, and despite his attempt to blow up the Op’ry House all his dreams are extinguished as he is finally unmasked.
Although the plot sounds complex, the Form 1s executed it with a slick delivery, effortlessly mixing the spooky and the farcical to create a really excellent performance. The pace was fast and there was some good comic timing in evidence, too.
The acting was top notch, with fine performances from Iona Brooks (who had a tricky straight role as Louisa) and Edward Wauton (the sarcastic music critic, Silky Acidtongue). Madeline Heywood too gave a top performance as Carlotta, whose towering heels were complemented by an equally tall wig – and false eyelashes nearly as long!
The singing was also of a very high standard, particularly from Hattie Harley as Christine and her fiancé Farleigh Good (Andrew Watson). Instrumental accompaniment was provided by Mike Gale at the piano, with Hermione Campbell on the ‘cello and a mysterious local viola player.
The costumes and make-up added a great deal of colour to the production; thanks to Tory Pinchin-Hughes and Katie Gale, and to those parents who provided costumes. Thanks also to Stewart Grant for constructing the set, and to those Form 1s who helped with the painting – which was headed by a mysterious local artist.
All of the children deserve congratulations for pitching in and producing such a good show, which was enjoyed by all.
A selection of images from the performances
CAST LIST
| Erik, the Phantom |
David Peek |
Mike Hotchkiss |
Tom Stodart |
| Christine Swansong |
Hattie Harley |
Humphrey |
Archie Rettie |
| Louisa Pampermouse |
Iona Brooks |
Sol Dibble |
Leo Seymour |
| Carlotta Barracuda |
Madeline Heywood |
Smokey Fish |
Tom Armstrong Wilson |
| Madame Barracuda |
Olivia Hope |
Mr da Vere |
Henry Roberts |
| Dora |
Alny Findlay |
Gloria / Penelope |
Jamie MacDonald |
| Guppy Gopher |
Olivia Dobson |
Marco |
Dougal Forsyth |
| Mrs Swansong |
Olivia Erskine |
Light Man / Citizen |
Douglas Donaldson |
| Chester Broomhandle |
George Cuthbert |
|
Hamish Cunningham-Jardine |
| Junior Hamster |
Alasdair Johnston |
Sound Man |
William Prenter |
| Lieutenant Farleigh Good |
Andrew Watson |
Tech 1 |
Caspar Rogers |
| Felix van Loon |
Antonio de Luna |
Tech 2 |
Freddy Rogers |
| Flufferduff Chinstrap |
George Innes Ker |
|
|
| Silky Acidtongue |
Edward Wauton |
Piano |
Mike Gale |
| Zaza |
Saskia Weir |
Viola |
Jonathan Penny |
| Lulu |
Tosca Tindall |
'Cello |
Hermione Campbell |
| Mimi |
Rose Greville Williams |
Set designed by: |
Stewart Grant |
| Coco |
Bea Begg |
Set painted by: |
Jonathan Penny |
Back to top | 
