Robin Hood

 It all started with a ……………bus…….But you need to support the society by buying not only a ticket but also the programme to understand the opening comment…………..and continues today under the watchful eye of the Walker family, as Chair, producer, asst producer , Choreographer , performers along with encouraging the younger generations to follow in their footsteps.  The society pride themselves on performing to a high level, strong principals supported by a multi-talented ensemble along with many family youngsters providing that special all round family atmosphere. Pantomime is so different to a musical, the characters need to be larger than life, the comedy capable of amusing the younger audiences whilst appealing to the adults through inuendo and delivery. The costumes loud and colourful along with the most outrageous ones saved for the Dame. The production team of Matthew Walker, Jane Jefferson - Blythe, Steve Trotter, Joseph, Hayley and Beth should be delighted with the outcome. The pantomime was delivered at pace, great timing, excellent ensemble movement so well thought out with the stage being used to the full with such a large group in a comparatively small area. So many laugh out loud scenes and even on the odd occasion lines were forgotten this brought out the skill and comedy even more, much to the delight of the supportive audience. This pantomime requires a group of chaps to milk every line and inuendo whilst performing as ‘Merry Men’ and merry men they certainly were. Richard Granger as Robin Hood led his troupe brilliantly throughout, a seasoned well balanced performance, great timing and interactions throughout. The ‘ Men’ Stuart Ogden as Little John, Sam Widdowson as Alan-a-Dale, Steve Mather as Friar Tuck , hilarious, larger than life characters, great comedy timing , well delivered clear lines and excellent singing. As good meets bad with Louise Loftus as Sherwood Sprite constantly questioning the misgivings of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham played by Andrew Stansall, two very competent actors, both with excellent clarity and totally convincing stage presence. Both displayed excellent singing throughout. The growing bond between Robin Hoodby Richard Granger  and Maid Marian played by Sara Ross was  cleverly staged and played out, your duet of ‘Together Again’, along with your solo Sara of ‘Alone’ both beautifully delivered. A cameo performance from David Jefferson not as one but three totally different characters, Big King Dick, The Hunchback and Michael Bear-ble all delivered with great timing along with fronting ‘It’s a Lovely Day Today ‘whilethe junior ensemble danced round. Silly Willy played by Joseph Walker, the totally daft son, what a great over the top performance throughout, lovely interactions with the Audience and fellow actors. Through toil and strife in trying to become one of Hood’s men you finally won the day when producing your violin cased ‘ Weapon’ defeating the Sheriff . The memorable Apple Watch sketch to name but one.

What would a pantomime be without a man in a dress.? No need to worry as in Matthew Walker as Dame Nanny Fanny Flapjack you have just that. Totally convincing throughout, whether singing, delivering lines, interacting with the audience with so many asides, and the pure volume of scenes you were involved in. The Picture card sketch along with Silly Willy delivered with such pace, both complementing other throughout, the sing song, the way you work with the youngsters invited to the stage and generally working the audience along with your new man of the evening ‘ Paul’. I wondered if there was enough for the younger audience within the script, a hard balance to please both young and older alike. However, that said it was a hilarious pantomime.

The sets looked well thought out and the lighting by Tom Dyson bringing life and flair to every scene. The musical Direction under Steve Trotter and his musicians was excellent. Your work during the rehearsal process was clearly performed to a high standard from principals and ensemble alike. The sound by Paul Minott was well balanced and allowed music song and words to be clearly heard. The costumes from outlandish to suggestive and more were great. To the ensemble through the ages , well done a really splendid evening’s entertainment, and how special to see some of the adults looking after the young performers who all shone with beaming smiles throughout. To the unseen and often unsung team of stage manager, crew, props, chaperones who without,the company could not perform, thank you and well done. Thank you also to the front of house team who made us very welcome. Please don’t miss this excellent pantomime production. There is so much  to enjoy.
 

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