Robin Hood

This was a traditional village panto well written by Alex Jackson and ideal for the size of this cast. It had plenty of ‘one liners’ which after a little persuasion amused the audience.  The familiar story line with Robin returning from the Crusades, meeting up again with Maid Marion who had been leading her band of rebels to thwart the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.  We meet Fairy Fern, amusingly played by David White as he lightly trips around the stage complete with fairy wings and magic wand.  He was completely out of his comfort zone, I’m sure, but it worked well.  Mother Hood, the larger than life Dame was played confidently by Gary Sander. He clearly enjoyed the comedy in the role including in getting one unsuspecting audience member, Chris, to assist her. Every time she appeared on the stage she would say “Hello Chris” and he obligingly had to stand up and reply “Hello gorgeous”.  All credit to Chris for being such a good sport! 

Sam Ward was Robin Hood along with Deniene Green as Maid Marion. They worked well together and were supported by a band of all female rebels, each with their own individual characters. Alayna Green was funny as the permanently drunk Friar Tuck and Sue Perry as Alan-A-Dale, a merry little character always strumming her ‘lute’. Obviously a musical lady as she was also the MD.  We also see Will Scarlett (Mary Sullivan) Much (Joanne Sullivan) and Little John (Sienna Brighty).

The villainous Sheriff (Eleanor Vaughan) was accompanied by the incompetent Guy of Gisbourne (Andrew Gookey) and the Sheriff’s niece and nephew, Billie and Jack, who are confidently played by the young Ellora Green & Levi Green. The supporting chorus all adding to the energy of the performance with some nice comedy from the skeletons who had all the children in the audience in fits of laughter. There were some well-chosen songs, including a big choreographed number, ‘Eye of the Tiger’,  enthusiastically performed by the full company.

The costumes all looked good, with lots of colourful changes for the Dame, made by Carol Haigh and the Sewing Circle. The sound and lighting added nicely to show with some effective imitation flame lights and a well designed set in the bedroom scene.  

This was the first time Vivienne had directed one of HATS Pantos, so well done to her along with all her cast and crew for an enjoyable show to an appreciative audience.

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