The Stage

Robinson Crusoe

Published Wednesday 7 January 2009 at 10:55 by Jon Holliday

From the very moment he appears as Robinson’s silly Billy brother, the warm-hearted humour of that amiable clown Owen Mooney proves irresistible.

Song snatches, jingles, jokes, puns, apparent ad libs, catch phrases, local references, plus downright buffoonery, all meld into a performance simply oozing with the true spirit of panto.

In a strong cast Peter Karrie is able to reprise his internationally- acclaimed role as the Phantom of the Opera, his powerful singing a real highlight.

Sammi Broad projects a satisfyingly trad principal boy as Robinson, her foot-tapping songs effectively matched by Alicia Hooper, as Polly.

All share in the fun-making - Ross O’Hennessy as a bubbly Mrs Crusoe, Sole Rimi as the volatile Man Friday, Emily Thorling as the bonny Megan the mermaid, Phil Howe as Captain of the Saucy Sal, and not forgetting that primate star, Konga the over amorous gorilla.

A most pleasing feature is the contribution of the dancers from Rhondda Cynon Taf Cultural Services Take That Performance Group. Their obvious enthusiasm adds much to the community spirit evident in this joyful show.