North Norfolk Players' logo
Link to North Norfolk Players' Twitter feed

Scapino!: June 1990

By Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale

'Scapino!' programme cover

Newspaper Review

Reg shines but Players miss the comedy mark

There is plenty of the scampering activity and knock-about humour demanded of a farce in Sheringham Players' production of "Scapino!" at the Little Theatre this week. Producer Peggy Francis has clearly put the football team sized cast through extensive training to create a highly-tuned performance.

Although there was plenty of appreciative laughter to show they were scoring a hit with many in the crowd, I have to admit that the Players missed the mark with me.

In the title role, Ben Britton worked himself into a real lather as he performed the antics of a colourful and energetic conman. In one frenetic scene, he was forced to impersonate, in turn, Long John Silver, a karate expert and a platoon of soldiers. But with this slightly odd-ball farce, I found such routines rather uneasy pantomime.

My favourite performer was Reg Lord, who was making his first appearance for the Players, and was a classically bombastic and hypocritical father.

Graham Blyth, as the bored, taciturn Italian head waiter, was also highly entertaining. A sea of tranquillity, he remained totally unmoved by the surrounding stormy seas. One Player who has often taken the limelight in pantomime, Gerald Fisher, almost had the audience hissing when he walked on stage. He was such a fine villain of the piece.

The production continues tonight and tomorrow at 8.

Keith Kendrick

 

Scroll down for photos, cast and crew.

  • 0000
Cast Backstage
Argante, a wealthy merchant: Reg Lord Producer: Peggy Francis
Ottavio, son of Argante: Craig Rouse Stage Manager: Coral Batchelor
Geronte, another wealthy merchant: Gerald Fisher Prompt: Sue Fisher
Leandro, son of Geronte: Matthew Warrington Props: Helen Manion
Scapino: guardian of Leandro: Ben Britton Photos: Ben Britton
Sylvestro, guardian of Ottavio: Kees Van Woerkom  
Giacinta, in love with Ottavio: Angelique Van Woerkom  
Zerbinetta, a gypsy girl: Clare Edwards  
Carlo, a 'bum': Neil Batchelor  
Nurse, to Giacinta: Joan Spall  
Head Waiter: Graham Blyth  
Two Harrassed Waiters: Tony Chadwick, Andrew Curtis  
Waitress: Clare Edwards  
Site by Guy Bartle Creative Media Services

Valid HTML 5

Back to top