Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies

This production by those aged 7-11 years of age, opened with a piano and trumpet overture, played by Stephen Watkins and John Swindells, which proved to be an effective combination throughout the show, providing the right level of backing to all the musical numbers. Billy Wigglestick played by Edith Phillips set the scene stating that living in Sherwood Forest was where all your dreams can come true. That cued the opening number ‘Sherwood Forest’. All the musical numbers were essentially performed by the company, but led effectively by various principals. Each was well choreographed by Evie Maitland and well-rehearsed.

We soon met all the main characters; the Sheriff of Nottingham (Rudo Albrecht) who spoke up particularly well (announcing that taxes were to be doubled), Nursie Gerty Gussett (Felicity Firth) who calls her young scouts to help (The Skunks played by Fiorella Ingram and Charlie Barker),  Big John / Little John (Beatrice Robinson) with her ventriloquist puppet, with King John (Georgie Bradley), Robin Hood (Gracie Tucker), and Will Scarlet (Izzy Evans) who all also spoke up well.

I liked Maid Marion portrayed by Kitty Jones, who had a pleasing voice and led ‘He Will Be A Hero’ well and there was good movement by the company, when Robin led ‘If We All Work Together’. I thought ‘Singing All Over The World’ was particularly well sung.

There were some very amusing moments throughout, from what was a comical script well directed by Alec Fellows-Bennett; the two robbers Grabbit and Bolt (Alice Harper & Rosalyn Teare)  were referred to as a pair of nickers, and Gavin Gutwrencher and Ghengis (Lottie Widdows & Autumn Ross) produced new torture equipment called the Squisher! I thought the sound effect when Will fired his bow and arrow was brilliant, making everyone duck in different directions. The finale ‘Men in Tights’ was a great closing number,

I am sure all the youngsters and their families appreciated  another fulfilling experience from the world of Wymsical, who are to be congratulated on their 10th anniversary.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.