Spectacle on a small scale

The storyline centred on the Quest for the Last Dragon and in true fairy-tale fashion Good finally triumphed over Evil for a happy ending. Dave Hawkins’ script had some fine moments of comedy, and the characters were diverse and well created by a talented cast under the direction of Mike Long. Occasionally the scenes seemed a little wordy, but the presentation was imaginative and much thought had gone into the simple staging.

In the guise of Cuffy’s Mum and in charge of the music was Dave Stamp. I would like to have seen more of this character as she only appeared in the first scene and much potential was wasted. As the hero, Helen Saxton made a charming Cuffy, and Princess Linaria was played with strength by Tracey Brett. Looking exactly right as Baron Tightwad, the villain of the piece, was Ian Hickling. As his henchman Goliath, H. Connolly was hilariously funny, and nearly stole the show.

Good and Evil were represented by Bloss (Good), played in amusing alcoholic style by Mary Warrington and Witch Watt (Evil) impressively acted by Brenda Prior. More evil came in the form of Norris, a Quasimodo-style character expertly portrayed by Robertson Bell. King Arthur was played by Brian Bailey who created a likeable, humorous character. Guarding the Palace was Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Long with his assistant Sarah Illman.

TREVOR DOBSON