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Spectacular show from LADS
Best Musical and Best Actress Cornwall Drama Association (CDA) annual awards.
 Yes, Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society has done it again providing local audiences with a colourful, professional interpretation of Paul Reake’s pantomime “Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates”. This production in the Town Hall from 26th to 29th supported with a Saturday matinee was an enchanting display of talent, colourful sets and costume design and a theme taken though in the programme design which place LADS in the forefront of drama in Cornwall.
This enthusiastic, talented cast supported by beautiful innovative sets, breathtaking costumes and atmospheric lighting and sound provided a feast of entertainment as LADS performed Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates. Right from the curtain up with the single figure playing on the harmonica followed by the burst of sound as the opening chorus filled the stage, this production directed by Pat Minett and Liz Eagle was filled with colour, excitement and fun. Major players like Brian Donahue's Blackbeard and Michael Drynan's outrageously costumed Ma Crusoe were well supported by the rest of the cast including the usual lovelorn duo, in this case thigh slapping Claire Fishleigh as Robinson and Sally Bounsall as Polly, the latter managing a very effective transformation from the shrinking violet of her first character to the swashbuckling and elegant pirate, Cr imson Hawk.
A delight to wat ch was the splendid team of Peter Lankston and Anita Crayton as Willy and Bessie whose exuberance and comic timing were outstanding. A pantomime must have a wow factor in the variety of its scene changes and Neptune's Palace, the Jungle and Boogar's Temple had this in spades, particularly when the latter was enlivened by the astonishing agility and singing talents of Phill Blackwell as the Medicine Man. The production was a triumph for the strong backstage teams with especially good use being made of newly acquired lighting and sound equipment, the latter at last conquering the difficult acoustics of the Town Hall.
The musical director, Margaret Johnson and the choreography of Phill Blackwell got real punch and drive from the chorus who were variously villagers, sailors, pirates and savage islanders. There was something for everybody in this show even a sea monster and a gorilla. What more can anyone ask?
Margaret Parker, Chairperson said “It is a particular joy to see the  enthusiasm of our two Youth Groups and adults alike working together on this production and the two Youth members being involved in operating the new lighting and sound control systems.
It is also an ideal opportunity to extend the Society’s appreciation for the grant support from Cornwall Community Chest, Awards for All and Zero88 towards our modern lighting and sound equipment and to the Local Network Fund and Local Business Partners for their support to our Youth projects”.
Cast: Robinson Crusoe Claire Fishleigh; Polly Perkins/Crimson Hawk Sally Bounsall; Ma Crusoe Michael Drynan; Willy Crusoe Peter Lankson; Bessie Bowspit Anita Crayton; Captain Bowspit Alan Burgis; Blackbeard Brian Donahue; Patch Sheila Brown; Medicine Man Phill Blackwell; Man Friday Martin Jordan, King Neptune David Sherring; Gorilla Hilary Whale.
Townsfolk, Sailors, Pirates, Undersea Life, Islanders and Island Wildlife:
Duncan Whale, Charlotte Knowles, Alan Preston, John Nutley, Jake Matthews, Sharon Hards, Lawrence Palmer, Kate Hancock, Daniel Blackwell, Stella Cottingham, Kia Wills, Hayley Smith, Alex Land, Sarah Chetta, Laura Whale, Laura Ware, Nathaniel Parsons, Alistair Blackwell, Jasmine Crayton, Amy Trehane, Tracy Carmichael, Kristina Lopes, Lucy Coy.
Music: Margaret Johnson Musical Director Piano/Keyboard, Drums Chris Brown, Harmonica Phill Blackwell, Guitar Jon Addicott, Bass Guitar Ed Phillips.
Production Team: Directors Liz Eagle Pat Minett, Stage Manager Andrew Bird, Set Construction Alan Minett Alan Preston Liz Eagle Fred Parker Pauline Blight, Props Kate and Joy Hancock, Lighting and Sound David Shrimpton David Naylor Jake Toogood Tess Hardy, Wardrobe Mistress Margaret Parker, Assistants Linda Packer Jill Shrimpton Pauline Crocker Louise Griffith, Make-up Joan Blackmore Jane Bowen, Programmes Fred Parker, Front of House Fred Parker and Members of the Society.
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