REVIEW by Louis Richards

Humpty Dumpty by The Court Players

THE rafters of the Memorial Hall at Rangeworthy were ringing with laughter during the recent Court Players production of Humpty Dumpty.

Despite several setbacks with illness to key people over recent weeks, with families and friends from other groups being drafted in to help at the last minute, the players produced another memorable pantomime.

Alan Frayn’s script transports us from Over Eggingham, to Cloud Cuckoo Land, Nursery Rhyme Land, Outer Space and a circus.

Little Humpty is encased in an egg shell by the evil, bad smelling Egg-Nog (Kevin Stephens) and then sat on the village wall where he becomes quite a tourist attraction.

Following the egg’s fall we see Alex Tarbox making his debut as Humpty Dumpty who didn’t care too much for being part of that silly old nursery rhyme.

Lorraine Millward floats down from the clouds as the Fairy Souffle trying to be Humpty’s conscience and advising him to use his ten magic wishes wisely.

As much as they tried all the king’s horses – there was only one dancing Marmaduke (Paula Vicary and Jackie Masters) and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again – probably because Dan Long as General Mayhem and Sam Palmer as Reggie Mental were more interested in alternative marching with plenty of jazz hands and being slightly hard of hearing!

Mark Gregory as King Egbert lost and then retrieved his crown while his daughter Princess Petal (Leanne Pratt) was keen for the egg to be clean and finally marries Humpty.

The comedy was provided by a steady and smiling Laura Glynn as Upsey Daisy, an energetic and hard-working Hannah Lewis as Topsy Turvey and their mother Dame Ditsy Do-dither played by Richard Lewis.

The three engaged well with the audience and provided groaning old gags, topic humour, a ‘smashing’ treat in the royal kitchens and a very tricky tongue twister which left everyone exhausted.

The youngsters in the audience were thrilled with a special guest appearance of Charlie The Critical Care Bear of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity who the players and audience were supporting.

All in all a traditional and thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment. Well done to all cast and crew. The production was directed by Bryan Quinlan.