December 15th/16th 2023
Snow White and the Rowdy Miltonians
After the spectacular success of ‘Ella’ last year the pantomime this year would have been a hard act to follow but Snow White and the Rowdy Miltonians certainly did not disappoint. Both performances sold out within hours of being announced and the audiences on both nights were treated to an impressive evening of quick fire ad libs, laughter and good humoured fun. With much spontaneous interaction between the cast and audience, it was as described in the title – ‘Rowdy Miltonians’.
The original script was written by Guy Levesley, who also ably directed the production, but the cast contributed their own lines (sometimes to the surprise of other members of the cast on the night) adding spontaneity to the evening for all.
There was a’ loose’ association with the original version of the story of Snow White but with a unique and individual ‘Milton’ interpretation. Duncan, as Master of Celebrations, expertly guided the performance as well as showering the audience with Celebration chocolates at regular intervals.
The King in the story was represented by ‘Elvis’ with titles of his songs cleverly worked into the script, and the decidedly ‘off script’ conversations between the evil stepmother and her recalcitrant mirror were hilarious. The evil stepmother did not appreciate being told she was not the ‘fairest’ in the land and had wrinkles and the mirror did not appreciate being told he was tarnished, had a saggy bottom and needed new batteries.
The ‘Prince’ who fell in love with Snow White and rescued her from Milton orchard where she had been lured to eat the poisoned apple by the huntsmen, was incognito as a workman in a hi viz jacket looking to find some tarmac as they had run out filling in the trench recently dug in Milton. The trench did finally serve a useful purpose as the evil stepmother fell into it, so resulting in a happy ending.
The evening ended with the audience on their feet singing and dancing – what a fabulous production.
Profits from the production will go to Burton YMCA and it was fitting that the audience were on their feet singing along to that well known tune.
Congratulations and thank you to all involved. Fantastic pantomime, a great night for Milton
December 9th/10th 2022
The unforgettable performance of 'ELLA'
After ‘resting’ for some 20 years MADS ( Milton Amateur Dramatic Society) made a fabulous reappearance on the 9th and 10th of December in Milton village hall with a production of ‘Ella’ – loosely based on the traditional Cinderella pantomime but so much better and with a distinctive Milton twist and ‘in’ jokes.
Written and directed by Guy Levesley, with a lot of additional input form the cast (and the audience during the performances) this was a production written and performed by the people of the hamlet for the delight of residents, their friends and families and it did certainly not disappoint. The laughter started at the first line and continued until the last encore. The fast one line quips, the sight of Prince Charming being chased around the village hall by the ugly sisters, all set against classic slapstick music was hilarious, as was the appearance of Santa in Speedo briefs and copious amounts of chocolate buttons flying around the room with some impressive catches from the youngsters in the audience. An audience with an age range of 8 to 80 were all captivated during the whole performance
Audience participation played a huge part in making the two performances memorable, the shouts of ‘she’s behind you’ and ‘Oh yes it is’ and ‘Oh no it isn’t’ might even have been heard in Repton! The audience were on their feet at times, singing, dancing and joining in with a rendition of Frankie Valli’s ‘I love you Baby’ just enjoying being part of a very special evening.
Directed by Guy the cast played their parts in true theatrical and professional style, but what came over most was the sense of fun and camaraderie which infected the audience who rose to the occasion and joined in with comments and amusing quips. Edinburgh Fringe eat your heart out, this was Milton talent and community spirit at its best, well done to all involved. Both nights were sold out and ticket sales and donations resulted in £750 being raised for Burton YMCA.