‘Silent’ version of Teddy-Bears’ Picnic was highlight of entertaining show

THE memorial hall in Shiplake hosted the latest pantomime by Shaddo, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, by Tom Whalley.

This was the 20th pantomime put on by Shaddo and it was great to see that some of the individuals who performed as teenagers a few years ago are now running and directing the group.

Henry Loud and Ellie Classey worked hard to put on this year’s production and thanks must go to them for their enthusiasm and dedication.

The excitement of going to see a pantomime was fostered when, as you entered the hall, you came face to face with three enormous teddy bears sitting at a table eating porridge and honey.

Young and old could not resist having a cuddle with these bears and many punters had brought along their own teddy bears to join in the fun.

The show itself was slick and very entertaining. Jessica Martin Williams, who just a few years ago was a shy member of the chorus, shone as the mischievous Silly Billy.

Adella Streather and Sophie Moulds similarly rose to the challenge of keeping the pace and energy of the pantomime going and their performances exceeded what one would expect of people so young.

Becky Ilderton (Mummy Bear) had done an excellent job of coaching the chorus and they created a fantastic circus troupe full of jokes and magic tricks.

There was an added attraction in the dress rehearsal when Ellie Classey, having had her baby two weeks earlier than her due date, brought along her five-day-old baby daughter to help provide last-minute advice. She must be the youngest director ever.

However, the most remarkable thing about the pantomime was the use of sign language for the community song at the end of each performance.

The whole audience sang along to The Teddy-Bears’ Picnic (“If you go down to the woods today…”) and then went through it a second time just doing British Sign Language.

Since you will soon be able to do a GCSE in BSL, it seemed appropriate to start learning some and it was quite something to have a quiet hall but, at the same time, everyone singing along.

A huge thanks to everyone who was involved with this production and with so many talented youngsters, let’s hope Shaddo can keep performing for many years to come.

Angela Jones