Frank Horsley

Wick Theatre Company proved there is still a demand for good, wholesome family entertainment with a near sell-out version of Where the Rainbow Ends, which completed a seven day run at the Barn Theatre, Southwick last Saturday.   Directed by Frances Moulton, the fantasy play by Hove-born writer Roger Quilter made a pleasant change from the usual Christmas pantomime romp.

The emphasis was on light and movement rather than boisterous humour with Wick's new-found host of child stars captivating their audience.  Mostly plucked form auditions, they appeared in countless guises to add great charm to the story of two children's search for their lost mother and father.  The quest sees Rosamund and Crispian Carey take a magic carpet ride to the land 'where the rainbow ends' - where their parents are imprisoned by the Dragon King after being presumed lost at sea.  Their nasty aunt and uncle give chase to try to drag them back under their strict control, but they cannot prevent the legendary St. George polishing of the Dragon King and happily re-uniting parents and off-spring.  Wick's production was a happy blend of youth and experience with the cast shrewdly deployed.

Brian Moulton was just the strong character needed to fill the hideous costume of the Dragon King and John King cringed superbly as his chief minister, Dunks.  Jane Vrettos came over equally strongly as the Sea Witch, while the upright figure of Barrie Bowen made him an admirable St. George.  

I felt some of the younger members could have spoken their ideals with more conviction.  Sarah Titley and Simon Gray did not always ring true as Rosamund and Crispian and the same went for their fellow adventurer Antony Muzzall (Jim Boulders), but Meriel Burge showed great promise as Jim's sister, Betty.  Their pursuers - Aunt Mathilda and Uncle Joseph - were well played by Sheila Wright and Bill Mack who were perfect caricatures of wicked guardians.  Although not having  to remember any lines, Wendy Smale showed potential as a mime artist in her lively portrayal of Cubs, the children's pet lion cub.  Good performances also came from Tim Cara and Sally Bacon as the lost parents, and Alicia Sporle as Will of the wisp.

Setting the tone for the whole production was Frank Hurrell's tasteful lighting and choreographer Jeanette Goode's skilful marshalling of the youngsters who portrayed everything from fairy ballerinas to elves, rabbits and hyenas.  the main accompaniment was by pianist Mary Radford.

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Well-drilled young performers helped make Where the rainbow Ends two very entertaining hours in the wick Theatre Company's production.  The beautiful set and costumed show, with a large cast, surmounted the space problem of the Barn Theatre.

Roger Quilter's story of four children who risk danger to journey to the land where the rainbow ends is steeped in symbolism.  The baddies are finally crushed - with St. George around to see that justice is done.  The colourful production was a delight to the eye, from the jungle scenes to the make-up, and with lighting superbly lurid for the wicked characters.   Of the youngsters, Sarah Titley was splendid as the resolute Rosamund, with capital performances from Simon Gray as her brother Crispian, Meriel Burge as Betty and Antony Muzzall as Jim.  Barrie Bowen's stalwart St. George was every child's idea of the dragon slayer, while Brian Moulton's dragon King, in fearful make-up, had the kids hissing.  Director Frances Moulton, assisted by Sheila Wright, wisely kept faithful to the author.  They also inspired a level of team work which was a credit to the large company