Robin Hood

This was my last pantomime to report for LIDOS and what a superb pantomime it was!  A modern take on a legendary character from English folklore with all the ingredients to chase away those January blues!

Written by Tom Whalley - a name to be remembered for brilliant story-telling, well-loved pantomime characters, fast action and plenty of 'double-entendre' dialogue, pleasing both adults and children alike.

Shirley Hoyland directed, with her many years of experience shining through - Robert Massa-Sanders as a magnificent musical director, had created some fabulous modern music to complement the piece - he was also in the pit as piano and conductor. I must mention that I loved the fact he played interluding music between scenes - so often during lulls in the action, there is musical silence, which makes the whole thing go flat - but Robert kept the action moving - so professional!

And now to the cast - I cannot speak highly enough of the talent and professionalism of everyone on stage - not one weak link...... Claire Hoyland as Robin Hood, gave her usual top-notch performance both in acting and singing - superb!  Sophie Massa-Sanders also reprised a lovely sweet character for Maid Marion - the two performers lit up the stage with delightful duets. At the heart of any pantomime there has to be a strong Dame - and here we had Mark Gayle as Nanny Fanny Flapjack - what a performance!  He commanded the stage right from his first entrance - immediately striking up a rapport with the audience - singling out  a member of the audience to banter with - such good fun!  His costumes and make-up were spot-on as well. Playing the fool was James Preston as Silly Willy, Nanny's son - hopeless, helpless in character - but oh boy!  What energy this young man put into his performance!  -  I was exhausted just watching him deliver great dialogue, manic dance moves and a patter song straight out of a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta!  The 'baddie' of the piece was Ross Tonkin as the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham - the man we loved to hate - an amazing performance - dressed in emerald and black - his rendition of 'I Want It All' will stay in my memory for a very long time!  His nemesis, bringing goodness against evil, was Cate Riley as the Sherwood Sprite, what a lovely, natural performer!  Clear dialogue, sweet vocals and a very pretty woodland inspired costume.

Robin's Merry Men were equally talented - the inimitable Matthew Tempest played a jolly Friar Tuck, Clare Devine a feisty Little John and Kayleigh Newsome, the balladeer Alan-a-Dale. Each one played a musical instrument in the Nottingham Fair scene - in theatrical circles, this is known as a 'triple threat' and shows versatility!

The Sheriff's  sidekicks were played  admirably by James Webster as Scratch It, and Lindsey Farrow as Sniff - both great characterisations. Jack Watts made a small but significant contribution as King Richard, returning from the Crusades to put England back to rights again!

At this point, I must mention the superb choreography of Emma Tempest and Donna Wells - these two have intrigued me over the years as to how they both take charge - they tell me they are just on the same wave length - if that is the case, their movement of both principals and ensemble is absolutely first rate!

Dance was what stood out for me in this show - we had a large ensemble, all moving together flawlessly - not a foot wrong and all enjoying themselves so much, it spilled over to the audiencve and I for one sat grinning like a Cheshire Cat!  I bet Shirley, with Emma and Donna, had said the magic words - 'eyes and teeth' - because every person looked out front to the audience in their performance - What a joy!

I would like to mention them all by name - so impressed was I!  And may I be permitted to say that it was great to see young men amongst them - keep up the good work!

Helen Darlison, Imogen Pemberton, Lauren Housley, Polly Gaunt, Shae Ogley, Rhianne Elsby, Poppy Hall, Eve Hudson, Darcy O'Hagan, Emily Carter, Hollie Hall, Emily Herbert, Grace Hodgson, Ben McNally, Thomas Papworth, Jude Stringer, Billy Sampson, Emilia Booth, Lottie Byrne, Oliver Brook, Olivia Haines, Team 'Bows' - Ava Barkakoti, Chloe Roberts, Darcie Huntington, Georgia McNally, Niamh Robinson, Sienna Copley and Tilly Saunders.  Team 'Arrows' - Bella Oldfield, Evelyn Darlison, Isla Booth, Livia Sparkes, Nanci-Rose Merrit-Longden, Vivi Man and Chloe Roberts (also a 'Bow'). Phew!

Without the Creative Team backstage, shows just wouldn't happen - my congratulations to this band of merry men and women who only hear the audience's applause.

Stage Manager, Emma Thomson in her first stint in this important role - excellent!   ASM, Nick Jackson;  Lighting and Design, Adam Moore;  Sound, Chris Beardwell; Props, Helen Thomson;  Stage Crew, Kirsty Barnes, Kira Dable, Paul Harding, Debra Hoyland Werner, Amy Lodge, Adrian Marshall, Cameron May, Paul Myers', Courtney Peaker, Ruby Stephenson, Andy Thomson, Helen Thomson, Jack Watts and Florin Werner.

The Band - Piano/Conductor - Robert Massa-Sanders, Drums, Oliver Watson.

Very important and very well done - the Costume team - I loved the period correct black tights and matching footwear for the ensemble; Elaine Jackson, Julie Marshall, Linda Forsey, Lynne Folkard, Shirley Hoyland and Tracey Stephenson.

Once again, my congratulations to Shirley, Robert, Emma and Donna for a wonderful pantomime which could easily grace a professional stage.

To you all I bid a fond farewell as your NODA Rep.. but not as a fan of LIDOS - I shall be in the audience enjoying your future productions for a long time!

Well done and - keep dancing!

  

 

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