THE MAD Company returned to the Pantomime season in fine form with their production of Robinson Crusoe, performed at Liphook’s Millennium Centre to a full house over three nights.

The audience joined Robinson’s quest for the hidden treasure on a desert island and was taken on an adventure overcoming stow aways on their trip to Jamaica, battling swashbuckling pirates, being shipwrecked and then washed ashore.

Robinson Crusoe (Tatum Shields) was ably assisted by his bosun Ben (Hazel Simmons) and helped the hapless Chrissie (Bethany Rae-Breach) to venture on to his first sea voyage upon the ship of Captain Perkins (Tony Robinson), who despite his valiant efforts could not stop the formidable Mrs Crusoe (Mandy Coluccia) causing havoc after stowing away.

Robinson’s heart was stolen by Lucy, the beautiful Music Box Doll, (Lucy Coluccia), while desperately trying to disrupt proceedings by pirates led by Captain Blackheart (Kevin Stephenson) and his fraught sidekick Captain Fishnets (Claire Fewings), who were also after the treasure. A certain hindrance was the strong but love-lorn Wotta Woppa (Sue Calvert) and her tribe of cannibals who shook fear through the island.

After capturing Freddie (Denis Titchard), the long, lost husband of Mrs Crusoe, her attention soon went into snaring a husband through her special ‘Lurve Potion’.

With the added distraction of the Gorilla (Brian Simmons) the island was awash with mayhem.

An enthusiastic adult and show stealing junior chorus gave the show a vibrant feel throughout. Robinson Crusoe was directed and choregraphed by Vanessa Breach, who said: “It was a fabulous and colourful show and another successful MAD pantomime.

“We would like to thank all of our fantastic audiences and hoped they enjoyed the show.

“My heartfelt thanks go to everyone in the huge team from cast, crew, backstage and front, the tech team and all the friends of The MAD Company.

“We look forward to returning with our next show Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, in July, where MAD will reunite with the Love to Sing choir.”