Robin Hood

This script was written for the group and included several references to Sudbury, the local water meadows and the fact that Suffolk was part of the Sheriff of Nottingham’s estate !

As there were a total of 23 performances there were two separate casts, with each cast undertaking half of the performances. Inevitably there was some flexibility to cover sickness, as on the night I visited. Cast 2 were predominately on stage for this performance.

The cast set out to pro-actively engage the audience from the very beginning with the resulting audience participation both enthusiastic and loud !

Jaclyn Taylor, as Will Scarlett, opened the panto with a strong and lively performance and quickly had the audience on her side. Malcolm Hollister, as Friar Tuck, aka the Dame, Nell, started rather hesitantly but gained credibility towards the end of Act One and certainly performed well in Act Two. Jordan Bond, as Robin Hood, interpreted the title role enthusiastically and without the usual thigh slapping often seen in this role. Nathan Collier, as Little John, was well cast and gave a good performance. Several of the cast undertook two roles and performed both extremely well. Mark Scanlon, as Earl of Suffolk/Gordon the Guard was really good in both roles whilst Emily Farrell, as Maid Marian/an Owl moved effortlessly between the two. Bryan Thurlow, as both Marchioness Melania and Gus the Pheasant was the ‘baddie’ as Melania and was also so funny in the quasi comic role of Gus.  Neal Hargreaves, as Basil, Sheriff of Nottingham was just too nice and pleasant in this part which normally is played in a menacing, unpleasant manner. A very different interpretation! Jessie Pitts, as Pandora the Fairy firstly put a completely modern spin on this role reverting to a typical sweet fairy during the second act. The cast was completed by Toby Bullock, as Dylan the Deer, which was well played and amusing. Unusually for pantomime, there was no chorus in this production.

There were only a few musical numbers with those performed by Will Scarlett and Maid Marian being the strongest. Words to traditional songs were cleverly changed to fit this script which was humorous with many seemingly ‘off the cuff’’ jokes.

Congratulations to Director, Mike Fahie-Wilson for this new take on a traditional story and to Technical Director, Adam Webster for creating the overall effect. The set was brilliant and well constructed by a large team and the four Stage Managers, helped by the backstage crew, carried out the minor changes needed seamlessly. Lighting design by Tim Foster, aided by the lighting and sound teams, was appropriate with some interesting effects. Costumes, Julie Moss, were very colourful and ably added to the overall effect on stage.

The audience loved this pantomime and full marks to the cast and all the supporting crew for such an enjoyable evening.

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