Ledbury's fine pantomime tradition, courtesy of LADS, continues with Red Riding Hood, which opened on Wednesday and continues until Saturday, January 21.
Most impressive is the strength of the cast, not least among the theatre group's younger members.
The junior chorus is the largest ever fielded by LADS, indicating that amateur dramatics has a secure future in town. The dances are well choreographed by Lucy Peplow and impressively performed.
Paul Graham has the market cornered as a pantomime dame, his presence dominates the stage as Old Mother Hubbard. Andrew Hill demonstrates both youthful gusto and expert timing as a lively and engaging Simple Simon.
The Big Bad Wolf is Michael Epps, who treads the fine line between menace and cartoon comedy.
All the characters are well cast by producer Sue Millington-Jones, including a brave yet winsome Red Riding Hood, played by Sarah Mitchell.
The show is a feast of movement and colour, sure to delight older and younger audience members alike.
I must confess, however, to having to slip away early, when my pre-school daughter grew more and more weary in my arms. With a three-hour show beginning at 7.30pm, it was a little too much for her.
The matinee performances sold out very quickly this year, so perhaps LADS will consider holding more in 2007, for the benefit of families with younger children.
Gary Bills-Geddes
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