Robin Hood

This was a very enjoyable evening and as writer and director, Jess Gloyne and her team had created a delightful mix of traditional pantomime and modern musical theatre. The scene was set as we were told in no uncertain terms to ensure our mobiles were switched off as the Sheriff of Nottingham did the pre-show announcements.

It was great to see a mix of ages on stage together and everyone was totally committed to their role. The script had some funny puns and some groanworthy jokes and the cast involved the audience well.

The dancing matched the music types but at times it looked restricted due to a large cast being in a small area. I liked the use of the stairs and the floor area and putting Snot in the balcony was a great touch. The opening of act two was a moment for the adults in the audience! That must have taken some time to rehearse and was very effective.

There were some lovely voices and strong harmonies, particularly from the trio of nuns and the Les Mis moment.

I can’t mention everyone I’m afraid but I particularly enjoyed the feisty, modern Maid Marian, played by Freya Bryant against a dashing but thoughtful Leila Daw as Robin Hood. They both sang well and their duet was delightful. Paul Gloyne was the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham, he worked the baddies and the audience well but could have more confidence in his singing ability. Silly Billy and Eliza, Sarah Halliwell and Lucy Glover, kept the fun going and Snot and Snivel, Rachel Godfrey and David Hirst, were perfectly revolting and I felt I could smell them from my seat. Samuel Clarke as Norman the Messenger Pigeon had a great awareness of comic timing. Dame Babs, Adam Todd, kept us laughing and the homage to Morecambe and Wise in the kitchen with David Smithet as Friar Tuck was a gem.

The scenery looked good, giving the cast an extra level at the back of the stage and the higher space made by the trees in the forest was used well by the Merry Men. The projections helped the audience to join in with the songs and the story and using the back curtain ensured the scene changes were slick.

The costume team had created some outrageous outfits for Dame Babs, especially her fruity aprons, but she was having trouble with her wigs. There were some great touches, Maid Marian’s sparkly boots and Terrance’s broken specs are just a couple. Each character or group on cast had ’a look’ which made them easy to spot. Glittery make up and appropriate jewellery helped too.

The lights over the pros arch gave Fairy Lights, Keira Gibson, a lovely special effect and the UV scene was very clever. The sound effects, particularly in the dungeon scene worked well.

There were a couple of points when lines slipped and voices were a bit quiet but everyone worked hard on and off stage to give us a very enjoyable evening. The moment when the magic wand didn’t appear was efficiently dealt with and the confetti cannon gave us all a surprise. We were welcomed warmly, felt a fond tribute to a founding member, sang, booed, laughed and rode imaginary horses, thank you Saffron Players.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.