From Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 30th January 2007
"From the lively opening chorus, writer Dave Buchanan's wacky modern panto ("Geronimo!") hit the bullseye... this humorous, imaginative production was great family entertainment. The best local production I've seen this season."

From Lochalsh SWRI, Plockton, Ross-shire
"Last night (March 8th, 2007) the playThe Comfort Machine was a resounding success! The audience were very receptive and laughed in all the right places. Someone was even heard to say very excitedly in the pause between Scene 2 and 3, 'Oh good it's the bed next'. We had a really good time. Everybody appreciated the trouble we had taken to learn the 'bed' scene, getting the contraption to do what it was meant to do. On the night of the SCDA Festival we didn't think we had done a really good job ourselves (because of nerves) and the bed kept falling apart but last night it went like a dream. A man in the audience said "I saw it the first time around in Plockton but it was still very funny tonight". The play is a challenge and I think we met it very well. What a great night it was - drama followed by stovies, clootie dumpling, etc." - Jill Charnley

Comments on Previous Shows

From the Darlington & Stockton Times
"The annual pantomime took place in Hutton Rudby's newly-refurbished village hall. From the very first moment, the audience was entertained by a traditional panto with a new angle.
Set amid the French Revolution, The Scarlet Pumpernickel by Dave Buchanan, was full of laughs, thrills and lots of audience participation.
The pantomime had two special visitors this year.Actress Wendy Craig came from London especially to watch the show. She is patron of the village Hall and opened the refurbished building in November.The cast was thrilled to have her in the audience and encouraged by her obvious enjoyment of the show and the kind words she had to say when she met the cast afterwards.
The author of The Scarlet Pumpernickel also came to see the show. Dave Buchanan lives in Scotland and drove down especially for the performance. He too thought it was a wonderful show and was delighted with director Simon Bateson's interpretation of his script."

Coaley ADS, Dursley, Gloucestershire

"The show (Robin Hood & His Merry Men) exceeded all expectations. I was lucky enough to be able to cast the Merry Men with three characters that gelled beautifully. Will became camper with each rehearsal and performance, Little John became, if possible, thicker and Friar Tuck more unpredictable. Their scenes together were priceless and the elevated them to comic heights.'Let Me Incarcerate You' became a show-stopper of a number with the rest of the on stage cast performing as the backing group.All of the songs came over well and I couldn't see a dud part in any of the principal roles.I think that the authors deserve a round of applause for their creation, one that has provided our little group with many accolades and full houses. The purpose of the venture is to get families in the village involved, providing all of the expertise (except for the MD and one of the cast) from the village and at the same time raise money for the Village Hall Restoration Fund.All these have been accomplished, and as a debut Director, a feeling of great pride in the efforts of all of the participants. Now it's a case of what to do for next year!" - Paul Green

Tori Productions, Worthing, Sussex

"It (The Story of Snow White) was fantastic ... our best one yet! (so I've been told) It was hard work as I produce and direct ... and also played the queen. We have children as young as 2 in it! The hard work definitely paid off so thank you very much." - Tori Caswell

Kemnay Players, Kemnay, Aberdeenshire
"Panto (The Magic Shoes) went very well. Completely sold out both nights which surprised me since it wasn't one of the traditional stories! Cast liked the script very much and felt very comfortable with it. Perhaps you could pass that on to Mr Burgess! Audience reaction has been very positive also." - Jean Ross

Heckmondwike United Reform Church, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire

"Just to let you know that we have got through three of our five performances (of "Stramash") and they have all gone really really well. People have said how much they have enjoyed it - more than a traditional one - because they don't know what is coming next! Everyone thinks that it is a really good script as well. We have performed NODA ones (amongst others) in the past and sometimes they have gone on too long (especially when you want to get plenty of songs and dances in as well). We liked having musical items suggested (although we did change some) and it was very useful having the sound effects and props listed at the back of the script.
I think my daughter has turned into a dog - she is enjoying playing Haggis so much - people think she has something which she presses to 'woof' but it is her own 'woof'!
I am playing Butt which is completely different for me, since I have always played principal boy or girl. I am enjoying this role very much along with a friend who is playing Ben. We have ginger wigs and tartan hats (we look really gormless) and everyone says we look like twins. Everyone says we are look really funny and are suited to the role (I'm not sure if that is a compliment or not!!!!!!)." - Mandy Stockton

Saughtonhall United Reform Church, Edinburgh

"Just thought I would let you know that our "limited" production of "Geronimo!" was a huge success. The audiences loved it and many comments were made saying it was funnier and much more entertaining than any shows they had seen in the large theatres." - Gladys Bell

Frecheville Original Pantomime Society, Frecheville, Eckington, Sheffield.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoyed the pantomime (Sinbad the Sailor). It was very well written and the production notes etc were very useful and equally important for a small group like ourselves adaptable to suit the smaller stage.( We have performed pantomimes by other authors such as John Morley which are very long and difficult to adapt to smaller stages). I also thought that the time spent on stage by the principle actors was extremely well balanced hence keeping all the cast happy, and more importantly the audience.
Thanks again for an excellent script and I look forward to performing more of your pantomimes in the future." - Mark Fisher (alias Codswallop)

Upstage Theatre Productions, Glasgow

"Thank you for an excellent and funny script (Cinderella), the best I've read in my long search for material." - Peter Screen

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