Enjoy our fab video from our two Murder Mystery shows this month.
Our May Newsletter here
Mme Arcarti – Val LeFrere
SPECIAL THANKS TO Gor Rosi @ https://algarvepictures.com for the photos
REVIEW BY
Andrew Constantinou,
WHAT A TRIUMPH
The Algarveans have once again delivered a theatrical delight, but this time, they’ve truly outdone themselves with their production of Blithe Spirit. Having regularly impressed with their past performances—always staged with remarkable professionalism for an amateur theatre group—this latest offering stands as their best yet.
From start to finish, the production was a joy to watch. The direction was sharp, ensuring a well-paced and engaging performance that brought Noël Coward’s witty and supernatural comedy to life. The cast delivered their roles with impeccable timing and energy, making the most of Coward’s sparkling dialogue and ghostly mischief. The chemistry between the actors kept the audience entertained throughout, and every character felt fully realised.
The staging and technical aspects were equally commendable, with effective set design, lighting, and sound enhancing the otherworldly atmosphere. The attention to detail was evident, creating a polished and immersive experience that would not be out of place in a professional setting.
It’s a pleasure to see The Algarveans continue to raise the bar, and Blithe Spirit was an absolute triumph. If this production is any indication of what’s to come, I eagerly anticipate their future performances.
Bravo to the entire cast and crew for a thoroughly entertaining evening!
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Directed by Tracey Christiansen
Dance Director – Shelley Danca
Music Director – Shirley Devlin
A Magical Pantomime by Alan P Frayn
It’s behind you!
A Beginner’s Guide to Panto
The Algarveans rehearsals for CINDERELLA – A PANTO are in full swing.
But say the word ‘panto’ to many non-Brits and you will likely receive a blank look. So for those unfamiliar with the tradition of panto, here is a beginner’s guide to this wonderful British institution.
The story of pantomime is a tale of good versus evil with men dressed as women and women masquerading as young men. Over the centuries it travelled from Ancient Greece to Britain via Italy and France, transforming into a unique concoction of eccentricity and absurdity. Shows are usually based on well-known children’s stories such as Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty etc., and as such it has appeal for all ages.
The audience shares the knowledge that the Audience participation is an important part of the show with the audience encouraged to boo the villain, argue with the Dame (played by a man), and warn the hero (usually played by a young woman) of impending danger.
Slapstick is another traditional element – the throwing of pies, plenty of falling over, outrageous costumes and naturally a dancing pantomime animal.
At the end of the show, good will have conquered evil, song and dance will have been performed and everyone lives happily ever after.
It is generally acknowledged that this curious form of entertainment is modelled on the early masques of the Elizabethan and Stuart periods, having been inspired by the Commedia dell’arte, improvised street theatre from Italy. Distinctive masks allowed the audience to recognise stock characters while enabling the actors to make risqué or topical jokes, a key element of pantos today.
Eventually, pantomime worked its way into British theatre. During the Victorian age, the central comic character became a poor, widowed woman, finally resulting in the eccentric figure of the Dame, a role first created and performed by a man, and acted ever since by men.
Dame is not really a woman but the pantomime’s absurdity relies on the fact that we are all in on the joke. And that’s part of the fun and magic of panto.
Cinderella is playing at the Carlos de Carmo Auditorium in Lagoa on 17 & 18 November at 7:45pm and Matinées 18 & 19 November at 2:00pm. Tickets priced at €15 can be bought online at bol.pt or in person at Auditório Carlos do Carmo, Convento de S. José in Lagoa and at Município de Lagoa – Balcao Único. Also available at Worten and FNAC outlets.
Last Tango in Little Grimley & Lockdown in Little Grimley by David Tristram