Friday 9 December
Poppy’s favourite time of the year – panto season – is here. And so, after many weeks of her asking when we were going, and with much excitement, we were finally on our way to Loughborough Town Hall.
It seems like a lifetime ago when Poppy first ventured out to watch a pantomime at the venue six years ago to watch Aladdin. Back then, there was no relaxed performance, and, despite the best efforts of the staff to keep her in the auditorium, Poppy only lasted five minutes and refused to go back in.
Since the introduction of these performances, things have been very different – this inclusion has been life changing for her.
So, what did she think of this year’s show?
Arriving at the venue
We arrived at the town hall with 15 minutes to go, just in time to pick up our tickets and head into the auditorium. It was fairly busy, but luckily we’d received the relaxed performance guide by email a couple of weeks earlier [a really useful resource to help people with autism/learning disability/sensory needs plan their visit before the day]. This informed us that the reception may be busier than normal and I was able to explain to Poppy it wouldn’t be long before we could get comfortable in our seats.
We picked up our tickets from the Box Office and Poppy noticed a stand with complimentary sensory toys as we were heading in so she picked one up on the way.
We made our way to our seats and I noticed Poppy visibly relax as she sat down. She was able to keep herself entertained before the show started with her new found sensory toy and the stickers available at reception on the way in.
What changes were made?
All the changes made for these shows were detailed in the relaxed performance guide, which takes the prospective audience through the whole experience from the minute they walk through the front doors including everything they are likely to experience.
Some of the changes included – hand dryers turned off and paper towels provided, help with seating, lights on dim, and the doors staying open. I did notice during the ultra violet scene the doors were closed – otherwise the effect would be lost – but this comes later in the show and the audience was so relaxed at this point people didn’t seem to notice. There were ushers by the doors if people needed to go out.
Ushers were also on hand to help the audience to their seats and if anyone was struggling with the seat allocated, there are also provisions for people to leave if they needed time out during the performance. A chill out room was provided if people needed some quiet time.
What did Poppy think of the show?
We had enough time to take a look at the programme and read about the cast before the pantomime commenced.
The show, written by Morgan Brind of Little Wolf entertainment, has something for everyone. The plot is always written for a local audience – this year it takes place at ‘Coalville Castle’.
Poppy took to Fairy Lights, played by Penelope Simons, instantly, shouting ‘hello’ as soon as she came on stage. She was fascinated by the lights on the costume and loved her rendition of Some Say Love/The Rose and was singing along.
She shouted out to all the characters as they came on stage. Old King Cole of Coalville Castle, played by Oliver Stanley, played the role of the bumbling king brilliantly and Poppy warmed to his character.
Poppy instantly liked the character of Mervin the Magician, played by Harry Polden and was giggling away each time he came on stage as she shouted out ‘cuddle the cactus’ gleefully.
She loved the character of Nurse Nancy Nightly, played by Sean McKenzie, especially the scene with her and Mervin when they had to redecorate the nursery – let’s just say everything didn’t go to plan!
Nurse Nancy’s costumes were incredible – Poppy really likes the dame’s costume changes every year – this year, she particularly liked the scene where she had several – interesting – layers, whilst singing ‘Nobody does it like me!’
Princess Rose – played by Victoria Lucie was excellent in the role. Her rendition of The Life I Never Led just prior to her pricking her finger on the spinning wheel – with Poppy and the rest of the audience crying out – no! – was enchanting. I watched Poppy as Lucie was singing and she was speechless, watching wide-eyed. It was wonderful to think this could have such a profound effect on her and if it wasn’t for the relaxed performance, she may never have had the opportunity to see it.
The evil Carabosse, played by the excellent Marisa Harris, was really strong in the role, and Poppy enjoyed shouting out ‘boo’ every time she appeared on stage. The scene and costumes in the evil lair were particularly impressive.
Prince Vince, played by Jake Reynolds, had just the right amount of charm to win the audience over and Poppy was willing him to wake Princess Rose when the time came.
Poppy’s particular favourite in any pantomime – the ghost scene – was also in there, and had her joining in with the audience shouting out – ‘it’s behind you’.
The real icing on the cake for this relaxed performance came when the whole cast sang a complete song using Makaton – particularly impressive for the younger cast to keep up especially when it got faster. This was such an inclusive moment for the whole audience and was executed so well.
Choreography by Kristian Cunningham was excellent. The young dancers in the show are also worth a mention as they put on a superb performance and were involved throughout, including some of the acting scenes, which was really lovely to see.
There’s no doubt this company and venue know how to put on a Relaxed Performance. This show is highly recommended. The company ‘get it’ and go that extra mile every time we visit.
Poppy’s star rating
