PANDA Players offered a lively interpretation of this pop version loosely based on Shakespeare’s Tempest and with many quotes from his other plays.

With a superb set which depicted the inside of the space craft Albatross was a masterpiece of ingenuity brilliantly built and very impressive with the captain’s seat being transformed into a motor bike with apparent ease.

Directed by Amber J Ould who was also responsible for the choreography it travelled at an energetic pace with a great many surprises on the way. The lighting, sound and pyrotechnics were amazing the best I have seen in any production of Forbidden Planet.

The colourful costumes and wigs on the crew of the space craft were dazzling and the use of the auditorium during the production drew the audience into the action. The chorus were well rehearsed and well disciplined and their lively performance added to the overall effect.

The songs were well known to the audience who joined in the singing with gusto clapping along to the lively music. With strong performances by the principals especially the women made for an evening of dynamic entertainment and judging by the audience reaction a great time was had by both those onstage and those watching.