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Hansel & Gretel
 Review by Ian Clarke
Take a sprinkling of sparkling new young talent. Add a healthy spoonful of better-than-ever stage stalwarts. Mis in the well-loved terrible jokes, some slapstick cooking, magical dance routines, heart-warming romance, boos and hisses at the baddies and a happy ending - and the result? The perfect recipe for a mouth-watering panto which was a tasy as all the delicious delights on the gingerbread cottage which the wandering brother and sister find in the forest. With such stunning young performers in their midst, the future for the long-established Dereham Operatic Society is as bright as Dame Do-Good's amazing costumes. Eleven-year-olds Matthew Buckingham and Rachael Bird give faultless performances as Hansel and Gretel and their confidence and maturity defied their young years. Charlotte Buckingham, 19 (principle boy, young forester Karl), and Jodie Quirke, 14, (kitchen maid Lucy Lockett), were enchanting and their Born Again duet was spellbinding. While that quartet and the young dancers and singers are still in the infancy of their acting careers, the likes of Tony Wilds (Dame), Nick Bird (laugh-a-minute Dickie Dimwitt) and John McInnes (mean old mayor), have been treading the boards for more years than they probably care to mention. But their energy, enthusiasm, skills and ability to interact with the audience remain amazing. There were so many extra touches which added to the enjoyment - the Gingerbread men's dance, Julie Hewitt's (Forest Fairy) little giggle after she spoke and the sheer range of variety on show. Mention must go to director Tony George, musical director Charlie Caine and choreographer Rebecca Crossley for cooking up such a delicious post-Christmas treat. I spoke to several people who had not experienced Dereham panto before - and one thought it was better than the big-budget show in Norwich. I'm sure they'll all be back next year. Hansel and Gretel continues at Dereham Memorial Hall today at 3 pm and tomorrow at 7.30 pm. There are then 7.30 pm shows on Friday and Saturday plus a 3 pm matinee on saturday. Tickets from Hallmark in Nelson Place, Dereham 01362 851919 SHOW PHOTOGRAPHS
Cast Listing
Producer : Tony George
Dance Instructor : Rebecca Crossley
Musical Director : Charlie Caine
Rehearsal Pianist : Dougal Smith
Production Co-ordinator : Catherine Hartley
Stage Manager : Kevin Jude
Chorus : Chloe Bailey, Helen Bailey, Martha Bailey, Jackie Buckingham, Ashley Cashfield, Amy Cuenca, Ron Eaglen, Gareth Evans, Dave Filer, Chloe Hunt, Nicola McErleane, Stuart McKinnell, Laura Pirret, Kevin Reeve, Ellen Robinson, Joan Syrett, Kerry Willis
Dancers : Paige Browne, Eleanor Buckingham, Aleisje Coxon, Natalie Fletcher, Vicky Grafton, Sarah Simpson
Press Photographs
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   February 2012
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Box Office :
01362 692784
Dereham Operatic Society is a charitable Trust and was formed in 1948 to offer the local community education and enlightenment in amateur dramatic arts. A very grand way of saying that DOS was formed to entertain the people of Dereham and Norfolk!
Our Shakespearian motto "Mere folk who give distraction are we" comes from Cole Porter's musical "Kiss Me Kate", which we first performed in 1970, and is based upon one of William Shakespeare's most famous plays "The Taming of the Shrew".
We at Dereham Operatic Society, or DOS as we are affectionately known, stage three productions a year (not including the productions of our youth group) including a major musical in the autumn, a pantomime over the Christmas period and a play in the spring. So, as you can see, there is something for everyone.
If you are looking to join one of the premier operatic and dramatic societies in Norfolk as either a performer (we actively encourage all whatever your ability or experience, whether you are a singer, an actor, dancer, or just enjoy being on stage), backstage helper, front of house staff or just looking to purchase some tickets for our next show ........ you need look no further than the Dereham Operatic Society.
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Tickets: 01362 692784
Martyn Rolfe
Sprowston
Norwich NR7 8TG
Tel : 01603 408017
Tel : 07919 031598
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The Studio
Rear of Dereham Memorial Hall
61 Norwich Street
East Dereham
Norfolk, NR19 1AD
