Robin Hood

The pantomime was introduced with the well-known pop tune from 2009 ‘Robin Hood, Robin Hood’ and then Diane Stahlmann, in the role of Alana Dale, delivered her clearly spoken dialogue to set the scene. A clever way of casting a woman in the usually male role of Alan a Dale. That’s the great thing about Panto, there are lots of possibilities for deviating from the norm!

Which Laura did again in the casting of the Sherwood Sprite. I understand that Laura wanted to try something new and it definitely was a novelty to have a male fairy - on the whole it worked. Personally, I think that Tyler makes a better Dame than Sprite, but he did have a lot of fun with the role, played it well and the audience enjoyed it.

David Palman gave a very good performance as the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham, determined to marry Maid Marion, and he worked well with the audience. He managed to tax just about everything – opportunity for lots of outrageous ideas – which was very amusing.

His three hapless henchmen Snatchit, Leggit and Scarper made much of the comedy in their roles and as a trio bounced off one another brilliantly. Whenever they were on stage there was fun and Neve Emily, Shannon Clark and Judi Roberts gave commendable performances. The dimmer one of the three (? Scarper) had wonderful facial expressions and timing.

Jim Henley was suitably silly as Silly Willy and he kept the audience amused with his antics and hopes of becoming one of Robin’s Merry Man – finally achieved by the end of the panto!

His Mother Fanny Flapjack was also a school mistress and the classroom scene was incredibly funny. Craig Entwhistle made a great Dame and again brought out all the comedy in his role. He thoroughly enjoyed being searched by the minions! His costumes and wigs were, as always, amazing.

Rachel Barnes presented a charming Maid Marion but not without a sharp retort when needed – a good performance from Rachel.

Marion’s handmaiden Jenny was played with grace by Katharine Shore.

The title role was beautifully played by Sophie Gane who always had a glint in her eye and a cheeky smile. She involved the audience easily with her pointed facial expressions and easy performance.

We were only introduced to Friar Tuck and Little John late in the story but the two men were used in the chorus for much of the pantomime so they had plenty of involvement.

Both Steve and Neil played their roles with confidence and their chorus involvement was a positive asset to the group.

Chorus numbers were well sung and Sarah’s choreography suitable for both the context and ability of the performers. Everyone was focussed and involved.

Your scenery was once again brilliantly representative of really traditional pantomime and it never fails to impress me. I loved the toadstools in the woodland and of course the village backcloth at the opening.

The Fungeon was innovative with the bars being held by those incarcerated, and ‘If I were not upon the stage’ had the audience in tears of laughter – it must take hours of rehearsal time to get the movements to fit in so well with the people on either side!

Choice of music was good – ‘Oom -Pah-Pah’ fits so well into any bar/pub setting and was sung with gusto. Could there perhaps be a fade-out at the end of the numbers instead of such an abrupt silence? I know I’ve mentioned this before too and it really is my only negative point.

You never name the songs or performers in your programme (takes up a lot of space I know) but I did write down that Silly Willy sings a snatch of each song Marion names and it was fun. Also that ‘The Men’ number (?) was good.

Costumes were excellent as always – colourful and plentiful.

Lighting and sound effects enhanced the stage and locations.

The programme cover is very attractive and the condensed contents informative for the audience.

Thank you so much for inviting me to see this year’s pantomime. I had a most enjoyable evening and I was able to have a good chat with both Laura and Sue in the interval. Thanks to Chris too who made me so welcome on the evening.

All my good wishes to St. Hilda’s Entertainers for Christmas and 2026.

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