Robin Hood

This was my very first visit to Market Drayton let alone Market Drayton Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society otherwise known as MDAODS.

A warm welcome was received firstly by the society President as well as the Chairman (who was also Musical Director for the production).  Looking at the programme I noted the script was written in house by the director, Susie McLaughlin. The production team were almost identical to last years pantomime ‘Puss in Boots’.

The almost capacity auditorium was full of expectation before the curtain went up and seemed ready to have a good Market Drayton afternoon, which we all received.

Opening the show was Sarah Moore, initially telling us she was the baddie. She was, however, Fairy Fancy, and with a name like that she had to be the goody, came to the rescue whenever needed.

Into Sherwood Forest we went where Robin Hood and his band of outlaws introduced themselves to the audience.   

The role of Robin Hood was played by an assertive, dashing and modest Kat George. Kat not only acted the part well, leading the outlaws, but also had a super singing voice.   

Little John (Robin’s best friend) was confidently played by Evan Bugg (at one point it was stated he was 11 years old). Evan’s characterisation shone and he most certainly has a good future in the Amdram world.

A self-assured and flamboyant Will Scarlett (also Robin’s best friend) was played with ease by Jess Keir. The third member of the band was Alan -a- Dale played by Kat Turner. We were warned to ‘Stop’ any attempt of Alan’s to sing a song. Luckly following the intervention of Fairy Fancy a great rendition of Little Help from My Friends was later delivered.

Finally was Velcrow, a talking crow assisted by Jess Emmas brought some great humour to proceedings.

Nurse maid to Maid Marian, Tilly Tuck, was played by Mim Emmas who built a great repour with the audience (even if the audience member picked upon announced they were a special adviser to Donald Trump!)  Mim delivered her lines well ensuring the punch line was picked up such as their description of a sheepdog bra. Tilly’s job was to protect Marion, well played by Izzy Adcock.

The baddies consisted of The Sheriff of Nottingham and his assistant, alongside Prince John. Jon Edwards played a superb Sheriff, always grabbing tax money in line with fiscal policy. Jon had a rich, Elvis like singing voice which was a joy to hear. He was aided and abetted by Ceri Bugg as Mrs. Thieves who got her man in the end. Robin James as Prince John was determined to find his horse and not as evil as made out.

The traditional panto ghost was played by Chloe Talbot. I must also acknowledge Niki and Owian Bugg for the thankless honour of playing Henry the Horse.

Susannah Garnham, Zoe Bentley and Paula Virgo played the additional roles of Molly, Daisy and Betsy respectively.

Finally congratulations to members of the Junior Theatre Workshop (JTW), who according to the programme had, ‘a great time rehearsing as part of this pantomime’ were trees in a dance with Fairy Fancy and additional ghosts/ spirits in the jail scene.

The sets and back cloths were of a good quality. The arrow competition and these appearing in the target was well done. Some competitors were better than others as Velcrow witnessed!!

The younger members of the audience enjoyed the chase around the auditorium following the competition set to the tune of Bullseye.

The panto tradition of a community song took place, although slightly earlier than the lead up to the walk down. The ‘who would like to come on stage’ and the selected few younger members of the audience, rather fell by the wayside as a throng of youngest travelled through the auditorium!

Under the leadership of Matt Baker a band of five musicians did not over power the actors on stage.  

Thank you for the kind invite to Robin Hood and look forward to hearing about your forthcoming programme and seeing you all again soon.

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