The Pocklington Post: Review - The York Family Robinson

Wed 21 Dec 2011

Written by Julia Pattison

What a clever idea, to keep old friends, so that the “ rubbish ” was as wonderful as ever, but update the show, sailing into unchartered waters.

Berwick Kaler and his Caruso Crew were on the crest of a wave of affection from an appreciative audience of “ babbies and bairns ” who lapped up this new show.

We started at Whitby, with Dame Berwick’s Annie Robinson making an entrance on a dinosaur, where he was soon joined by son and daughter Rosie and Jim ( delightful Suzy Cooper and loveable Martin Barrass ) who were squabbling inside a shared Ilama costume.

The wonderfully weird and wacky dialogue set the scene for the rest of the show, which seemed to whiz by in an instant, as we booed David Leonard having a Devil of a time playing his villainous role, and cheered on AJ Powell’s luvverly Brummie Robinson Caruso and his glamorous Man Friday ( Julie-Anna Castro ).

“ The Boy Rob ” and his musicians were on top form, as was Sian Howard, particularly in her highly entertaining duet with Zantus Junior ( David Leonard ), “ A Song Too Long ” – Britannia really did rule the waves! Look out too, for up and coming talent Jamie Harris whose comic timing was spot on in his role as a camp Jolly Roger.

As always, there were lots of highlights in the show, with plenty of surprises in the first half involving disappearing beds, and a sensational Swan Lake spoof, followed by an amazing Priscilla, Queen of the Desert pastiche in the Australian second half along with lots of laughter and quick quips.

The set and costume designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith were truly fabulous, as was the choreography by Nicola Boyd – Anderson.

Here’s to you Mrs Robinson and Crew – wonderful family fun!