Adult pantomime: A fearlessly funny triumph from Sparks Dramatic Society

My last visit to Hyde Festival Theatre was for another Sparks Dramatic Society production “A-Lad-in-Her”, their cheeky tribute to Aladdin.

With that experience in mind, I thought I knew exactly what to expect from Rumple4Skin. It turns out I was entirely mistaken. The company has outdone itself in ways I genuinely did not anticipate.

The show opened with an unforgettable entrance by Kimberley Ross as Fairy Flutters. Although the audience had been warned to expect loud bangs, nothing could have prepared us for her explosive arrival. The timing, the surprise, and the sheer audacity of it drew audible gasps across the auditorium and set the tone for the evening ahead.

A pantomime dame is always a reliable source of laughter, but Tony Scott George’s performance as Dame Penny Trate exceeded every expectation. One standout moment was transformed into Christina Aguilera, complete with a hilariously accurate recreation of the “Dirrty” music video. Chaps and all. I can say with absolute sincerity, I have never laughed harder in a theatre.

Adam Carter’s portrayal of Rumple4Skin was a revelation. His command of facial expression, physical comedy, and vocal characterisation was genuinely impressive. Knowing he is currently studying Animation at university, you would never guess it from the calibre of his stage presence, he delivered a performance with the confidence, polish, and comedic instinct of a seasoned professional.

Another unexpected delight was the recurring appearance of Julie Chetwyn as Margaret Joan. Without uttering a word, she managed to bring the house down each time she shuffled onstage to pass an unspecified beverage to Andy Greenwood’s wonderfully named Master Bates before wandering off again. Her understated physicality was comedic gold.

The production and cast was brimming with energy from every direction: background, foreground, aisles, and occasionally from behind you. Audience members were kept constantly alert, never quite sure whether they were about to be squirted with water, side-eyed by an actor, or dragged briefly into the chaos which one poor unsuspecting person did, regretting his decision to sit in the front row. This sense of playful unpredictability added enormously to the fun.

Speaking with Daniel, the director during the interval, I learned that the entire operation is volunteer-run, with all profits reinvested into future productions. Not a single cast or crew member is paid for their time. This makes what Sparks delivers even more extraordinary. The dedication, creativity, and sheer commitment required to produce a show of this quality-whilst reducing an entire theatre to tears of laughter-is nothing short of remarkable. Credit must also go to writer Ste Oliver-Grant and lyricist Anthony Freeman for crafting such a sharp, witty, and outrageously entertaining script.

The musical numbers were a particular highlight. Contemporary pop hits were reimagined with brilliantly replaced lyrics. A crowd favourite was Rumple4Skin’s attempt to seduce Melissa Motorshead’s character - Princess Bella Donner to the tune of “Live and Let Die,” gleefully reworked (sorry i actually can’t reveal the lyrics in the paper as they are far too scandalous) but it was a moment that had the entire audience howling.

It is no surprise that Sparks Dramatic Society recently received the NODA Award for Best Pantomime in the North West District. They continue to elevate their craft each year, producing work that is bigger, bolder, and funnier.

Rumple4Skin delivered everything an adult pantomime should: sharp character work, outrageous jokes, and a healthy dose of cheeky (and occasionally downright naughty) humour. My cheeks still ache from laughing. I already cannot wait for the next one!

Credit: Butterfly B Photography