Red Riding Hood

MANY OF the jokes may be older than the cast of Walking With Beasts, but Keighley Amateurs also keep up with modern trends in their annual panto.

This year we get a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire spoof that proves a highlight of the enjoyable family show. It's just one of several hilarious skits that, along with the corniest of gags, keep comedy to the fore in Keith Marsden and Geoffrey Rundle's script.

That script is brought to lively life under Keith's pacy direction and the performances of lively principals, a very good children's chorus and an enthusiastic adult chorus.

Star of the show, no question, is Peter Whitley who revels in a fizzy and frenetic portrayal of Simple Simon. Young Fiona Spencer is confident in the title role and excels with Peter in the marvellous duet We Go Together.

Anthony Waddington, memorable veteran of many a light comedy role, doesn't really convince as the dame despite his best efforts.

Amanda Church-Michael shows that last year's debut as principal boy was no flash in the polished knee-high leather boot: again she was assured and animated.

Rachel McMahon is equally effervescent as principal girl, a role she knows well from previous appearances in Keighley and Bingley.

Peter Greenwood is terrific as the Baron, his timing and delivery of sarcastic asides a hoot, Katharine Major is a poised gypsy queen and Robert Lister is suitably chilling as the wolf.

The music is nicely played under the direction of Sylvia Blackie and Patsy Peacock's varied choreography is danced well.

Red Riding Hood is on the long side - almost three hours - and some of the men in the chorus are noticeably self-conscious. But audiences are certainly going to come away from this show satisfied.

* Tonight 7.15pm, tomorrow 2.15pm & 7.15pm, tickets from Keighley Information Centre (today) or 01535 662681.

DAVID KNIGHTS