Perkin and the Pastry Cook

6th June, 2011

Another colourful extravaganza graced the Packwood theatre last weekend as the juniors took to the stage for their production of 'Perkin and the Pastry Cook'.

The play continues the story of the hapless Emperor Sigismund XIV who has recently been tricked into parading through town in an invisible suit of clothes. The action takes place a week after this mortifying episode when the bumbling Emperor, played very effectively by Dan Humes (first half) and James Hinwood (second half), is preparing to punish those responsible. Both boys played their part perfectly as the ineffectual, hen-pecked husband very much under the thumb of the terrifyingly imperious Empress, portrayed superbly by Freya Beasley and Louisa Jarvis.

The tricksters responsible for the Emperor’s humiliation, Sly (Harry Swinburne/Marcus Woodhead) and Tinker (Jonty Bright/Jack Goodall), manage to escape from the palace thanks to the actions of the inept and suggestible Wat (Ollie Hall/Felix Jebb), a former pastry cook in the palace kitchens. Dismissed from his job as a chef for causing numerous injuries by mistakenly making a batch of cakes with plaster of paris instead of flour, Wat has been demoted to work with palace odd job man, Perkin (Alex Ainslie/Nick Yeoward). To save themselves from punishment for losing their prisoners, Wat and Perkin are given three days to recapture them. However, further trouble ensues for the pair when they are falsely believed to have kidnapped the Emperor’s daughter, Princess Sophie (Talullah Blackham/Zara Vickers), who has actually willingly gone along to help. The army is dispatched to join the hunt and “rescue” Sophie. Wat causes more trouble by accidentally allowing Sly and Tinker to capture the princess but again level-headed and courageous Perkin saves the day.

While the soldiers cower in fear as they come across the wonderfully menacing woodland creatures and desert their posts entirely when faced with a terrifying dragon, Perkin is made of stronger stuff and single-handedly saves the princess and captures the villains. Justice is finally served as Sly and Tinker are imprisoned, Perkin receives a knighthood and Wat gets his old job back.

Alex and Nick gave stand-out, confident performances as Perkin and both boys had exceptional stage presence. Here, certainly, are a couple of stars of the future. Talullah too was most impressive demonstrating a superb sense of comic timing and oozing self-confidence – her performance on Friday night in particular, stole the show. Harry, Marcus, Jonty and Jack were born to play the mischievous trouble-makers Sly and Tinker and performed their roles very convincingly. Ollie Hall and Felix Jebb were no less credible as the rather slow-witted, gullible Wat (excellent acting, of course!) – Ollie’s expressive face and brilliantly judged mannerisms brought the part to life. Special mention should also be made of the splendid town criers, Ed Barry and Nathan Mielczarek and guard captain, Ali Davies all of whom played their parts with great self-assurance.

Beginning with a musical performance by Form 6 and interspersed with music and dance the whole play was full of life and action. The spectacle was enhanced by the magnificent costumes produced by Mrs Jones and Sir Anthony’s and Mr Dougan’s authentic scenery. Producers, back stage team, assistants and most of all the children (aged ten and under, every one!) should all be tremendously proud of their magnificent, fun-filled production which judging by the volume of laughter and applause, delighted packed houses on both Friday and Saturday evenings.