Babes in the Wood

This script of “Babes in the Wood “by Paul Reakes was one I have not seen before and was a refreshing change. Chrissy Brimacombe did Colaton Raleigh Players proud in her skilled direction of this panto.

Stars in the making were the eponymous Babes,  Billy and Milly, They excelled in both their acting ability and their clear and unhurried diction, a real skill in such young performers. Wart Mole made a great comedy duo. Nurse Nitwit was well acted, it was a break with the tradition of a male actor taking the Dame role. The Dame was young and pretty and therefore many of the jokes and innuendo didn’t ring as true as if an older grotesque portrayal had been given. One could quite imagine Little John falling for her! Maid Marion and Robin Hood made a handsome couple and gave a good account of themselves. Little John did well, as did the whole band of Merry Men. They were good support to Robin. Nausea Nightshade did a cracking job as the wicked witch and even had my skin crawling. The makeup for her and the two scary ghosts was excellent.
The Sheriff of Nottingham excelled as a truly nasty uncle to the Babes with a clear and authoritative speaking voice and some great singing too.

There was a good choice of songs and music, so ably arranged by musical director John Davies and the chorus singing was very good indeed. The sets were impressive, especially the forest scene, and the costumes were excellent.
This was a truly family occasion in more ways than one, as at least three families took part in the pantomime, from mums and dads to sons and daughters. It was great to see so many children and young people involved. That bodes well for Colaton Raleigh Players, and shows that the Panto season in Colaton Raleigh is alive and well and its future assured.
Roll on next year!
 

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