Robin Hood

It is almost two years since Phoenix Players performed their last large show – ‘The Legend of King Arthur’. At the time we did not foresee the trials ahead of us all. Nevertheless, Phoenix Players during these troubled times continued by performing with a variety show as well as a popular play.

Productions by Phoenix Players are often written inhouse. This time not only written by Baz Stilinski but also directed by and playing the role of the baddie. Co-director Karen McDonald ‘understudied’ the role of F.I.T (Fairy in Training) for this performance gaining the appreciation of her fellow actors at the curtain call.   The F.I.T worked alongside Andi Hardy as Fairy who was assigned the task of training, although the idea was good, it was not built upon during the show which was a shame.

Baz Stilinski relished in the role as Sheriff and his determination to raise further taxes to aid his aim to become King of England. His ‘henchpersons’ Bow and Arrow played by Megan Harris and Rachel Harris respectively provided most of the humour as they carried out the Sheriff’s evil plans with Soothsayer played by Lisa Maxwell supporting.

Mumsy was as always well played by Graham Robson who engaged with energy with others on stage. With Graham one is never certain whether the ‘adlibs’ are rehearsed or actual responses to things going slightly adrift, regardless lines were delivered at speed and with confidence.

Robin Hood played by Lydia Shorey and the Merry Men (persons) worked well together Grandma (Hannah Perrin), Gobby (Lisa Morris), Will Scarlett (Fiona Robson), Friar Tuck (Adam Rastall), Percy (Rob Warnes) and Little John subject to a few double entendre jokes (Nick Johnson).

Maid Marian was played by Katie Cherry again, a good idea about having the principal girl role as a strong independent woman and Robin Hood being a bit of a wet lettuce, but in a twist became the strong character due to a spell by the Soothsayer.

Callum McCormick played the role of wolf with the typical ghost gap, as well as the announcer in the talent competition.

Fight scenes including the inevitable sword fight between the goodie and baddie were well choreographed by Billy Pearson and Luke McDonald.

Costumes were generally good and in keeping with the time where this popular legend is set.

I have no knowledge of the venue however the technical facilities were probably limited. The sound effects were good and well cued such as during slap stick routines between characters. The lighting was provided by traditional lanterns and therefore not benefiting from more modern LED lights. As a result, it was not possible to have anything more than either full on or partial reduced. No gels were used as these colours would have then been in place throughout due to the likely limited rig.

The set was simply but most certainly effective. The cyclorama was covered by hinged flats depicting either Sherwood Forest or interior wall. Both were well painted. Congratulations to Andy Jepson, David Neale, Roger Gowland and Graham Robson.

The performance was undoubtedly enjoyed by an audience as well as those on stage themselves. This was, I assume, the first airing for this script. It contained some good ideas but could benefit from more research by watching other panto’s and making changes but this could be built upon in the event of any future productions.

Andy Brown

Regional Councillor West Midlands

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