REVIEW: Clementine's Seasonal Spectacular, Rosemary Branch Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Clementine’s Seasonal Spectacular

Rosemary Branch Theatre

10th December 2015

5 Stars

If there was ever a production that is hard to describe it’s Clementine’s Seasonal Spectacular. Clementine is the brainchild of Mark Mander, an experienced puppeteer and actor; the character is a showbiz diva with a real life head (Mander’s) and a tiny puppet body. Combining video, puppetry and live action, you leave not quite knowing what you’ve just seen – but knowing that you’ve witnessed something hilarious.

The show is split into two halves; the first half introduced us to Clementine and her showbiz pals as they prepared for an upcoming pantomime. This was interspersed with variety show numbers from a series of increasingly bizarre puppet entertainers. An example included Barry Bar Fly, a massive insect with a Barry White style gravelly voice. There’s no reason why any of it should be as funny as it is; it’s mainly the remarkable puppets and skillful puppeteering and voice acting that makes it work so well.

The second half is devoted to the pantomime, a mildly filthy version of Snow White. This is equally as good and is packed full of topical gags and theatre in-jokes that brought the house down. This is supported by wonderful voice work from Steve Nallon, one of the integral members of Spitting Image; his Margaret Thatcher impression was one of many that brought the panto to life. (Note to parents: some of the shows are designated as child friendly, I can’t vouch for the quality of the tamer version but make sure you get the right one or your child may get a shock!)

The most impressive part of the production was its incredible technical proficiency, especially considering the small space and limited budget. The quality of the video clips was impressive, often combining live action with static backgrounds (it reminded me a lot of the 90s TV show Angela Anaconda). They were clearly no easy feat and considerable effort has gone into them; I hope they are put online afterwards, as they could easily become popular clips in their own right.

The cast was packed full of experienced puppeteers and they all excelled in creating a series of distinct characters. Along with Mander, the puppet troupe consisted of Lisa Gillespie, Clare Rebekah Pointing and Stewart Fraser; his Scottish usherette was a particular highlight. There was also a game cameo from male model and actor Jack Jefferson, who was wheeled on stage to provide various male heartthrob characters.

Clementine’s Seasonal Spectacular is certainly strange and unconventional. However, it also wonderfully original and made me laugh and smile more than any other Christmas production I’ve seen this winter. A real must-see (but make sure you pick the right type of performance!)

Photos: Justin David

Clementine's Christmas Spectacular runs at the Rosemary Branch Theatre until 10 January 2016