Robin Hood

Whenever you visit CADS you can be assured of three things; a warm welcome; a slightly off beat quirky pantomime; and a good evenings entertainment. I wasn’t short changed in any of my expectations.
The pantomime had once again been written by resident of the township, John Mawer (assisted by Adrian Hulford) who also directed the production. Being self-produced meant that the gags were tailored to the locale and up to date. It was also nice to see a pantomime that didn’t rely on double entendre - good family entertainment with many generations in the audience.

Special mentions must be made to a few – the magnificent quintet of ladies (and on one occasion a gentleman) assisted by Heather Howey as Ellen-a-dale, who regaled us in song throughout, setting the scene in perfect harmony.
Robin Hood and Maid Marian (Amy Cowan and Kirsty Famelton) who worked well together; we saw the feistiness of Lady Marian when assisted by her equally feisty Ladies in Waiting, Miriam and Maximilliscent (Megan Hodgson and Jess Gardiner). Also standing out (not only because of his height) was John Mawer as ‘Little John’ dressed on occasions as a unicorn (you had to be there…)
The evil content was provided by Prince John, superbly portrayed by Mike Jevons, taking a break from the traditional dame role – Mike’s booming voice and facial expressions and delivery of lines really worked. His evil sidekick the Sheriff of Nottingham was ably played by Robert Famelton. Also, a good comedy cameo by Sue Wood as a drunken woman. With a large cast it is difficult to mention everyone but safe to say that ALL played their roles well. There also were many children in the production – all who seemed to be enjoying their time on stage tremendously.

The children were not simply there to make up numbers, but majority had speaking roles and on occasions quite critical to the production. Jake Spelebings as ‘Humphrey’ was excellent with his timing and delivery of his lines; as were Dan Waddington and Edward Gardiner as the two guards; Callum Garforth and Lilly Mason worked well together as the younger versions of Robin and Marion whilst Logan Davison stole the show, and the audiences hearts, as ‘Knott Telling’.

Well done to James Tait as MD who produced a nice sound throughout; also to the techies for good lighting and sound and crew for changing scenes appropriately dressed in the excellent costuming of the show.

A superb rendition of the fable of Robin Hood – well done CADS

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