Frankenbolt’s First Christmas

This quirky take on the traditional pantomime is being presented by Roxy Lane Theatre, as Frankie, a boy monster, wishes to have a fantastic first Christmas.

Great work from Noël Florence in the title role as Frankie, a boy version of Frankenstein’s monster.  Beautifully made up, his earnest and charming performance is a saving grace for thus production. 

The Principal Girl role subverts pantomime gender expectations, with a female actress playing a girl, disguised as a boy - the very cute Baby Brian. An actress with great potential, she grew throughout the performance.

Amanda Alderson worked the audience well as flirty maid Esme, Will Smeets returned to the stage after an extended absence as Frankie’s creator/father Doctor Van Hairpiece. Tarek Jabado fills both the fairy and Dame roles as Sid the Fairy, while Jayda Green and worked well together as unusually clad rats Ratchet and Spanner. Jim Chantry dons the famous red suit, Charlotte Weber makes a cameo appearance as a radio, and the people of the village are played by Martin Bowan and Rex Gray.

Unfortunately, this show lacked pantomime magic and the sparkling energy that pantomime needs to be really special. Some characters felt awkward and seemed embarrassed - especially when it came to the audience sing-along. Scene changes felt laboured and the pace wasn’t slick enough to entrance a young audience.

I am glad that Roxy Lane has continued this annual tradition, but I would love to see a little more magic.

Kimberley Shaw