A rollocking good pantomime by Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society, oh yes it was!

KATS Present – Treasure Island – oh yes they do!

Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society: Treasure Island
from Thursday, February 20 to Saturday 22
at Kennet School, Thatcham

Review by JANE SCHOLL

Half-term wouldn’t be the same without a rollocking good pantomime and Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society can be relied upon to give us the perfect evening of panto fun, laughter and a truly professional show.

Treasure Island, created by Ben Crocker, is not your regular panto but it gives plenty of parts and it was a delight to see a jolly chorus of children and young adults smiling, dancing and singing with relaxed and obvious enjoyment.

Andy Pocock clearly put his whole heart into playing the dame in a range of more and more outrageous costumes – Julian Clary watch out!

Leanne Marshall and Seb Waddington were the romantic interest, and their lovely singing voices were a joy to listen to.

Janet Kilgallon-Brook made a fabulously feathery Polly the parrot and David Richardson as Long John Silver didn’t know what he was missing by not allowing her to perch on his shoulder.

KATS is very lucky to have so many regular female members who seem to be able to turn their hands (and feet) to any roles – they can all sing and dance and look glamorous on stage even as lusty pirates – they even bake cakes!

Three hearty cheers for the band of pirates with Donna Smith, Seadog Sam and Billy Wild, Seaweed Willy, gamely leading the audience in the traditional singalong competition to allow the Principals to change into their finale finery.

Thank goodness for Squire Trelawney, Nick Saunders, and his ship or the treasure would never have been discovered, bringing our jolly tale to it’s cheerful end.

KATS didn’t miss out of any of the well-known aspects of our much-loved British panto – the custard-pie episode, the UV ghosts and a fabulous fight with pistols shooting jets of coloured something or other – certainly no expense spared. The wardrobe team excelled themselves in the costume department and Carl & Adam Dibble on lighting and John Hicks on sound held their own.

A special mention to Gemma Cole who choreographed the large chorus numbers – well rehearsed and lustily sung with welcoming smiles all round.

Thank you Kevin Miller and Kayleigh Dibble for a thoroughly enjoyable panto night!