Robin Hood

Robin Hood - 30th January 2019

R.A.T.S

There was a small audience in Ribchester Village Hall for this pantomime of Robin Hood. This pantomime was written and directed by William Thomas. The audience were sat in a cabaret style which made for a very relaxed atmosphere for the show. The cast were ranging in ages, but the majority being youth.  The stage in this church hall is quite small and the cast were large for the space that was available, but they did very well to accommodate all the scenes and to ensure that the story was able to continue. 

It was a slow start to the pantomime with some long musical interludes and some slightly awkward scene changes which felt a little under rehearsed but ultimately it got underway with music, flashing lights and lots of energy from the cast.  It was very difficult for the choreographer to work on anything elaborate for this production due to the size of the cast and the size of the stage so there were some awkward lines in the staging which was unfortunate however the cast did well to rotate and make sure that everybody was seen at some point within the scene. A little more care and attention on upstaging each other would be useful for future shows. 

In the title role of Robin Hood was Olivia Soper who did a fantastic job, great character and she projected well to the back of the hall. Playing opposite Olivia was Dora Green playing Maid Marion whose character was strong throughout and endearing  to the audience. Well done to Grace Talbot who played Azeem, Robin Hood’s right-hand man with a very effective beard! I have to mention the performance of The Sherriff of Nottingham, the “baddie” in the story played by Sam Soper, his character was huge, delivery was strong and projection was great. Playing in a supporting role of Sam was Jack Talbot, playing his cousin Guy of Gisborne, who’s lines were coherent and solid with a good character. Other supporting actors, Charlie Warren as Little John, James Talbot has Friar Tuck and Louis Marsden as Will Scarlett all did a great job with lots of energy and big smiles throughout. A little more care needs to be taken on delivery of some lines as there were a couple of lines missed by some of the supporting characters that were a little quiet throughout.  

I’m always amazed at the references that pantomime writers are able to get into their script this one had Monty Python references, with their coconut horses, as well as “wonky donkey” references, the hit Internet sensation and book. 

All in all the production was fun and the cast clearly enjoyed performing it. A little more attention on character faces during reaction as well as acting so that we don’t have vacant looks and to stay within the scene would help in the future and work on projection when performing over a soundscape or under score. 

Well done to all the cast, they clearly enjoyed the performance tonight and I hope the rest of the run is successful.  I look forward to the next show over in Ribchester

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.