On the last night of the 2003 Pantomime I attended the Tithe Barn with my wife, son and granddaughter. Wondering how the King Arthur story could be turned into a pantomime - it's not one of the titles that conjures up the idea of the traditional 'panto'.

I had not been in the barn very long when I was asked to right this review, something that I have never done before and obviously I was not prepared for. As you read on you will soon realise that it is no way in the style of the regular reviewers and certainly not like a Charles Roberts review.

Having summed up some courage with the help of some of Charles Whites best. Merlot which no doubt he had brought back from one of his many trips to foreign parts (Tesco's at Sprowston I expect!) I settled back to watch how the players weave their very own magic.

With a flash and a few bangs, together with smoke effects Brian Lloyd appeared on stage in the role of Merlin. With colour co-ordinated hair extensions and a very fine silver beard he rhymed his way through the prologue - setting the scene for the full house.

With the appearance of Graham Blyth as King Arthur, producing a mixture of catchy phrases and facial expressions to match, it soon became apparent how pantomime could be produced from

such a legendary 'fairy tale'. He easily obtained the support of the audience with rousing replies of 'What Oh' on his arrival on stage and 'Toodle Pip' when leaving. Graham was ably supported by his Queen Guinevere played by Jane Risebrow. It was the Queen's role that strayed from the traditional as it was performed by a female as opposed to a male as 'The Dame'. No doubt this is a reflection on the fact that the Jubilee Players is desperately short of men. (So all you budding male thespians, if you have some spare time two three times a year come and have a go - its fun).

Hannah Brodie was the 'principle boy' playing the part of Sir Lancelot and who fell in love with, not the Queen, as per legend, but with the Princess Olivia, played by Sarah Phillips. Both these young ladies have been playing 'Panto' in the Jubilee Players, probably longer than they care to remember. Their skills have continually developed over the years and their voices, when singing their duet were a pleasure to listen to.

As ever the chorus supported the main cast with tuneful and rousing songs ably accompanied by 'The band' of Allan Watts (drums) and Laurence Blyth (piano).

Tom Phillips and Ros Chamberlin were an energetic pair throughout, playing the parts of Squirt and Sally, respectably. They also ably filled the gaps when scene changes were required, together with the traditional audience participation song and, shepherding the young children from the audience on the stage.

Gay Lloyd playing the evil Morgana had the appearance of Rod Stewart after a good night at Stringfellows, or was it Peter Stringfellow after a good night at Rods. Certainly a very original costume and hair-do. Her henchman Mordred, played by Graham Brakenbury, looked like a middle ages Stephen Fry playing the 'Hunchback of Notre Dame'. A very interesting mix, that produced all the appropriate hissing and booing for such an occasion.

How Sophie Bray didn't melt in what must have been a very warm dragon suit I don't know but her not speaking part was easily accompanied by suitable mannerisms to the point that you felt you wanted to leap on the stage and give the dragon a cuddle. Certainly my grand daughter would have loved to.

King Arthur's page, played by Rebecca Chamberlin, in role, continually, had a bored face while carrying Excalibur wherever the King went.

The sprinkling of Monty Python with the clattering coconut shells, no doubt recycled from Christmas, together with the chorus singing the 'Nights of Camelot' reminded those of us, who have that type of a sense of humour, of 'The Holy Grail'.

Paul Reakes, the writer, had clearly given a great deal of thought to the script which was ably adapted to a local level, with the usual mention of locals and local reference points, by Director Neil Phillips.

Any concerns I had at the start were quickly dispersed and clearly, with a bit of artistic licence, it is probable any story could be turned into a Pantomime.

The comments from members of the audience, both in front and behind me all related to words such a Excellent, Very enjoyable, and very good.

I can certainly concur with all those. A very enjoyable evening with loads of enthusiasm from the cast even though this was their second performance of the day and their sixth in four days.

Well done and thank you for another annual spectacular.

Gordon Boulter