Robin Hood

Written and directed by club stalwart Heather Adams Officer this version of Robin Hood was full of fun, good music and excellent choreography from the opening chorus of “Men in Tights” through “You Can’t Stop The Beat” to what has become the traditional finale “Reach”. Katie Ironside was a traditional thigh-slapping principal boy and was well matched by Abbey Patterson as a spirited Maid Marion. Heather Adams Officer as the blue-suited Minstrel did well as narrator of the piece keeping the audience and the cast on track. Murray Lawson, in his first principal role, made a handsome – if dim-witted – Little John, a fact which did not go unnoticed by Garry Brindley’s dame Nursie. His lecherous looks and actions, along with his rendition of “Man! I Feel Like A Woman”, had the audience in stitches. Tim Roberts was striking as the man in red Will Scarlett and Lewis Maitland, again in his first principal role, was a genial Friar Tuck. Andrew Dart as the Sherriff of Nottingham, the villain of the piece, had the audience booing and hissing well at his dastardly attempts to capture Robin and then marry Marion. In these endeavours he was assisted - or should that be hindered – by Liz Forrest’s Quincey Quiver, whose facial expressions were a delight! Strong support was given by Heather Stewart (robbed Man), Joanna Murray (Peddler) and Peter Esson (King Richard). The highlight of the show for me, and for the rest of audience as attested by their reaction, was the superb rendition of “Jobs (If I Were Not In Pantomime)” by the Merry Men, Nursie and Quincey, a combination of witty lyrics and immaculate comic timing – how one of them didn’t end up knocked over or with a black eye is a miracle! Costuming was bright and appropriate filling the stage with colour. The set, built by company members, was relatively simple but very effective and the lighting added much to the atmosphere. Congratulations to all at the Ury Players for once again bringing colour and laughter to the local community at this cold and dark time of year!

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