Babes in the Wood

Gargrave Pantomime Group have gone right back to their “grass roots” in their choice for their 60th Anniversary Show.  Babes in the Wood was the very first pantomime that they performed in 1964 (and again in 1974 and 1982)– and it was the most fitting choice for their production this year.

Performed in the beautiful Gargrave Village Hall, the panto had a great community feel.  Cleverly written by Richard Smith it had the perfect feel to a great traditional “family” pantomime.

With a cast of nearly 40 people, ranging from age 5 upwards, everyone gave a great, enthusiastic performance, and the whole audience was entertained from start to finish with lots of “boo-ing”, “hissing” and laughter thrown in for good measure.  Just how a traditional pantomime should be! (oh, yes it is!!!)

A strong cast of principal characters including Claire Preston as Robin Hood, Laura Lipscombe as Maid Marion, Neil Hellewell making his “dame debut” as Nanny Nellie Knotted Knickers, Paul Smith as The nasty Sheriff of Nottingham, Anita Eccles as Ellen A-Dale, Gemma Tetley as Will Scarlett, Poppy Tetley as Little John and Anna Burke as Friar Tuck.  

Not forgetting to mention Peter Poulter and Ellie Birch, the dastardly comedy duo Bill & Ben, and James Halls and Christie North as the adorable “babes” Tom & Jenny and of course the story wouldn’t be complete without loveable Gruffles (Nanny Nellie’s adorable dog) –ever so cutely played by Martha Duggan.

There was great support from the lovely “union” trio Zoe, Beth & Hannah played by Emma North, Isla Lottey and Logan Fellows, Greg Butt as Anto Du Dec, Emily Claxton as Penny (I really hope you do get a part in next years panto!), and Cassia Sauer flexing her muscles as “The Great Stupendo”!

The storyline moved through at a great pace and Anita as Ellen A-Dale was a great story teller.  Right from the start we were sure to know who we had to “boo and hiss” and who we had to “cheer”.  There were some very funny comedy lines which were delivered with great timing by the cast.  The story of Babes in the Wood is probably one of the lesser known “panto’s” – but this storyline was very strong and included all the right elements of goodies and baddies, hero’s, princesses (well, Maid Marion in this panto)…and a very cute dog!

There were some very strong singing voices throughout – in particular excellent vocals from Robin Hood and Maid Marion (lovely duets), and Robin’s band of merry men – Will Scarlett, Little John, Friar Tuck and Ellen A-Dale, who all sounded fabulous together.

Well done to the production team – Richard (assisted by Sarah), Laura and Gemma.

Excellent colourful costumes, wigs and make up, along with effective lighting and sound effects all added to this production.

Productions like this cannot go ahead without a great team “behind the scenes” – from the list of names in the programme there is clearly a dedicated “crew” supporting the production and this year we got to see more of them “on stage” than ever before.  Well done to all those “Men in Tights” – you were great sports and gave a great performance!

But I think more importantly this is a traditional “family” pantomime Society – and I quoted in my report last year that “it is lovely to see shy, timid youngsters working their way through the chorus, blooming as they grow…” – this is where the grass roots start and it was once again so lovely to see so many youngsters from the last couple of years productions flourishing so much – their confidence grows with every performance.  You need to “bottle it”!

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