Archives - November 2000

THE WITCH AND THE WIFFLER
by Geoffrey Thornber

Produced by Ann Burfoot

THE PLAY

A fairytale, with many panto elements. The Black Queen of Ravenswing enlists the help of Betsy, the wickedest witch in the world, to help her take over the neighbouring kingdom of Regalia. Betsy gives Prince Roderick a magic ring that will enable him to take Princess Rena's hand in marriage, but she has her own agenda, because Betsy wants half of Regalia for herself.

Enter heroic principal boy Barnaby, with his loyal young assistant Tinker and the friendly, helpful Wiffler. These three have to outwit Betsy and the Black Queen and overcome the vicious Prince Roderick to have any chance for Barnaby to wed the Princess he truly loves.

After many trials and tribulations, they finally manage to steal and destroy Betsy's broomstick, thereby removing all her magic powers. Barnaby defeats Roderick in an epic duel and takes his magic ring, using the power of the ring's Genie to release Rena and the Regalian Court and to banish the Black Queen.

And, of course, it all ends happily ever after.

FROM THE GROUP

I remember rehearsals being somewhat chaotic. Well I suppose they would be with 16 cast members plus a ghost. Another mammoth painting task for Mike because a country scene back drop with a fountain in the foreground was required. But as usual it was splendid as were the special effects, again thanks to Mike.
I do remember spending a great deal of time & effort trying to get John M to march. Unsuccessfully as I recall. I should have shouted louder!
We did a matinee for this play. Quite an exhausting Saturday. Pantos are fun but jolly hard work. Thank goodness for a dedicated cast & crew.

Ann - Producer

Whatever one's opinion of pantos in general, there's no denying that the audiences enjoy them. And, in all honesty, so do the technical crew. There's always plenty to do backstage, with many scenery changes and heaps of props, a wide array of sounds and lights and usually, the chance to blow some pyrotechnics up. We had plenty of that, plus a traditional sheet-style ghost glowing under UV and all sorts of forest and palace scenery. I particularly enjoyed doing the backdrop, of misty, mystical mountains with an ornate fountain: it's not often enough that the set painting allows such a free rein to be creative! Sadly, the surviving photos aren't that great, but it did look nice.

Mike - Set Design and Stage Management

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