Hercules – the panto
by Joshua Clarke and Lewis Clarke
Directed by: Beth Bowers
Production Dates: 23rd- 25th January 2025
Location: Durley Memorial Hall
PHOTOS
PRESS RELEASE
HERCULES: THE PANTO
Bishopstoke Players’ next show, ‘Hercules: the Panto’, promises to deliver all those elements that are so enduring about pantomime – heroes and villains, silly jokes, songs, a highly unlikely narrative and, of course a happy ending!
The evil Hades is planning to take over the cosmos! But there’s one person in his way. Or should we say half-person, half-god? It’s our hero, Hercules!
Hercules, the son of Zeus, embarks on a series of heroic tasks to prove his strength and valour. With the help (or otherwise!) of his Earth-bound family, and the support of his friends, he sets out in his quest to prove himself a true hero and regain his right to live amongst the gods.
Scripted by award-winning playwrights, Joshua Clarke and Lewis Clarke, the show is packed with spectacle, humour and pace, and all that classic panto fun.
Directed by Beth Bowers and featuring a terrific cast, performances are in Durley Memorial Hall, Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th January at 7.30 (doors open 7pm), with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
As we are proud to have done every year since 1947, proceeds from the show will be donated to the charity, Action for Children.
REVIEWS
Scene One Plus
https://sceneoneplus.com/hercules-the-panto/
Bishopstoke Players
Durley Memorial Hall, Durley
Anne Waggott
23 January 2025
“Villainous Hades, god of the Underworld, is scheming to take over the Universe – and the only one who can stop him is Hercules, son of Zeus, king of the gods. Trouble is, Hercules doesn’t realise he’s a demigod, rather believing he’s a misfit living in a tiny village with his mother and brother… until he receives a message from Zeus, which sets him on a quest to fulfil his destiny to become immortal and defeat the monstrous Hades.
Well… what an unexpected little gem of a pantomime! Who would have thought that the Greek mythical tale of Hercules, half man, half god (and a tale that’s not a particularly happy one!), would have been the source of a genuinely laugh out loud panto? Playwrights Joshua Clarke and Lewis Clarke for starters – and thankfully Beth Bowers, who (at just 16 years old) has a bright future as a irector. In her debut as director of a full length show, she has overseen a very funny and well cast production, cantering along at a pretty good pace.
Pantomimes are often the first introduction of live theatre for young children. Bishopstoke Players have not only been supporting the charity Action for Children (helping disadvantaged children across the UK) for over 75 years, they also bring this ethos to their productions, nurturing their younger members alongside those with more experience. As well as Beth making her major directorial debut (assisted by Producer Barry Kitchen), there are some really strong performances amongst the young principal lineup.
Esme Millins is delightful and endearing as young Hercules, an admirable thigh-slapping principal boy in her first lead role, with Molly Smith equally as engaging, possessing a wonderful array of facial expressions as Meg, Hercules’ potential love interest, who has been enslaved by Hades and is under his control (at least that’s what Hades has planned!). Together they create a charming couple, with both having lovely singing voices. Although the backing soundtrack is occasionally pitched a little low for their young voices and they may have had a little trouble hearing the foldback on opening night, they both coped well, having crystal clear diction, and this in no way detracted from their overall performances.
Lola Barrett is excellent as Zak, Hercules’ rather dippy human brother, full of charisma, confidence, energy and enthusiasm. She lights up the stage every time she leaps onto it – and even the cutest Jason can’t outshine her!
Not to be outdone by their young counterparts, the terrible trio of Hades (a brilliantly Fagan-istic Colin Carter) and his minions, Pain (Kimberley Jones) and Panic (Kevin Bowers) are boo and hissable, and highly entertaining, while Pete Burton is the quintessential panto Dame as Hercules’ mother, Ma, enjoying a wonderful rapport with the audience.
The delightful Muses are bathed with beautiful ethereal lighting as they guide Hercules in his quest, although they were rather quiet and need to project more, particularly if future audiences become larger and louder.
The minimalist set and delightful array of Greek costumes, enhanced by Hades and his henchmen’s make up, all combine to warm up a cold, wintery Durley to a more temperate and balmier Greek climate, and Ma has a full array of Dame costumes to enjoy!
A few minor tweaks would raise this from extremely enjoyable to brilliant, but if you like your jokes particularly corny (there were as many comical groans as giggles!) in a traditional yet new pantomime, then this is the one for you – and this production definitely deserves to be seen by a larger audience.”
Encore Reviews
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFLzY97ICjg/?igsh=Yzk2cHgxODN4Yzdq
🎭 REVIEW 🎭
Hercules the Pantomime
📍 Bishopstoke Players
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A thoroughly enjoyable night out”
“Bishopstoke Players are back with “Hercules the Pantomime” which is being performed at Durley Memorial Hall until 25th January. Once again, they are delighting audiences with a hilarious and heartwarming antidote to the January blues.
Founded in 1947 to support the National Children’s Home (now Action for Children), the group have since presented over 200 productions, raising substantial funds for charity.
Director Beth Bowers and Producer Barry Kitchen masterfully guided the cast through a show brimming with classic pantomime traditions. Esme Millins shone as the titular hero, while Bishopstoke legend Pete Burton delivered another superb performance as the Dame. Lola Barrett was endearing as Zak, and Colin Carter brought a suitably villainous edge to Hades. The comedy duo of Kimberly Jones (Pain) and Kevin Bowers (Panic) provided ample laughs, and Tim Ponsford brought a commanding presence to the role of Zeus. Molly Smith charmed as the principal girl, Meg, and the trio of Rachel O’Brien, Amelia O’Brien, and Grace Marsh added a touch of glamour as the Three Muses. The entire ensemble contributed to a vibrant and energetic production which was enjoyed by all.
As a long-time fan of the Bishopstoke Players, I can confidently say that “Hercules the Pantomime” ticks all the boxes for a thoroughly enjoyable night out. Don’t miss this fantastic production! I’ll be back next year (Oh yes I will!)”
Reviewed by Ryan for Encore Reviews