Robin Hood

On a cold chilly, rainy night, one thinks to oneself do I really want to go out to another pantomime, but when it’s a Rats panto the answer is YES I DO!!

Firstly, we have Helen Caston as Director, this woman has the knack of making us laugh and this year was no exception along with a naughtily written script from Tom Whally Pantomimes. Luckly Thursday night's audience were all adults. I’m glad they were as the innuendos flying around on stage were perfect for this performance, that means a talented cast knew their audience and they certainly worked them, especially on poor Fred in the front row. I can’t believe Nanny Fanny Flapjack's (yes that’s what I said) dialogue with him was clever, but in the hands of Dean Caston, it was kept at the right level, Dean being a foremost Dame in Kent always gives it his all.

Silly Willy: Amy Marshall is splendid in this role, happy go lucky and kept us informed with a few corny jokes thrown in. I Loved her. Maid Marion (Lauren Caston) and Robin Hood (Charlotte Gentry) were teamed perfectly as the love interest, both in voice and stage presence, so good ladies. We also had strong performances from Scratch it, Sniff, Little John (who wasn’t so Little) and Friar Tuck - these being Gerald Flanagan, Kevin Lane, Rob O’Hanlon and Darren Hammock. Their comedy timing was just right, all being seasoned actors at RaTs..say no more.

Claire Feekings on costumes (which were superb) and playing The Sherwood Sprite, along with Alan a Dale (Jill Balderston) on lute? Smaller parts but they gave us solid performances. Andrew Manktelow as King Richard ruled that stage, having served teas and coffees in the interval then playing a king!! Now that’s class. Oh! how could I forget last but not least Kathy West as the evil, wicked Sheriff of Nottingham played so well as only Kathy can do, stunningly well. 

We must not forget the cast that back up these performances. The Ensemble without them we would not have a pantomime. These being Carol Bolden, Joanna Godman, Cara Micallef, Joe Pritchett,  Marion Torralba, Louise Giddings, Karen Martin, Amanda Miller and Leigh Redding. Thank you ensemble for being so delightful - there I said it twice. Ian West as Stage Manager kept this panto going at full speed and I could tell he was in control. Helen Caston you scored another hit for the company, hope to see more of your talent as a director. A Delightful pantomime as always from RaTs. 

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