Babes in the Woods

United Players are always a joy to visit. They always take good care of me, I’m shown to my seat and a cuppa in the interval. After a two year break they are back. Colourful costumes (Jennie Morris and Jenny Hicks), and a simple three flat set which worked well on the V shaped stage, which is always difficult for them. Well done to all concerned with the design and swift movement, to keep Babes moving. Nice simple Choreography from the cast, set by Poppy Barry and Ellie Hicks.

Babes in the Woods isn’t one of the popular pantos, but the audience certainly enjoyed their afternoon in Pantoland. The best fairy I’ve seen this year: Maddy Carter as Fairy Nuff, she lit up the stage and was so jolly. Sheriff (Brian Holmes) was a powerful performance, over the top, only as a sheriff should be. His “I’ll be back” was great. His Flinch (Bob Young) aided him well. Simple Simon (Danny Da Val) was ideal in every way, his tree scene was hilarious. Maid Marian had a great stage presence, the stage was hers and we could hear her both in speech and song. Billy and Milly (Ian Carter and Becky Warnast), the babes, gave us a good pairing. A young Dame (Matt Carter) made sure we saw him and heard him while on stage. 

With a big cast on a small stage made this Babes, written by Jon Hicks and Directed expertly by Alex Wilson and all her capable cast members. A jolly afternoon at Pantoland. Congratulations must go out to you all involved in United Players for a entertaining us with an enjoyable afternoon at the Panto. 

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