The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Dukes Promenade Theatre
in Williamson Park, Lancaster
6 July-12 August 2006

by Perksy Jobsworth and Summer Rose

Step into the park and step inside the world of Tom Sawyer – we dare you!  Leave ordinary thoughts at the gates and enter a universe filled with the heat of Mississippi nights and small town days.  A place where boys are left to fend for themselves when families fall apart – and where men might be slaves, murderers, or heroes.  The Dukes’ choice of play for this years’ promenade is not an obvious one (think Midsummer Night’s Dream, both Alices etc.), but as always in the park the Dukes team pulled off an enchanted evening.  

The darkness of the plot is shot through with glimmers of humour (look out for the wart remedy), so that while Injun Joe was satisfyingly terrifying, things never got out of control or too much for the many children in the rapt audience. I’ve been spoilt and have rarely missed a Dukes promenade, so it was interesting to go with Summer (age 10), who had never been to a promenade before and was completely entranced. 

The low-key opener made full use of the lake as Tom and Huck set the scene for a trip along the great river.  The American accents faltered occasionally, but this was the beginning of the run and will be sorted out.  Becky (played exactly right by Claire Huckle) appeared during the second scene and was properly affronted by Tom being a serial fiance. 

We walked further on to the atmospheric graveyard, a place where you just knew bad things would happen…

Jade Willis sang beautifully and swept dutifully as Jim; in fact all of the cast were terrific in the ensemble ‘judgement’ song during the courtroom scene after the interval.  The music was good throughout, and lent some light to the shade of murder, grave robbing, and revenge. 

We got to see a lot of the park, which is always the star of its own show.  This production is not as downright awesome as some previous promenades, but it’s a mighty fine evening out.  More, please!

Perksy Jobsworth and Summer Rose
10 July 2006