Robin Hood

Robin Hood, A Pantomime

Written by Alex Jackson

Performed by Broadclyst Theatre Group

On Friday 6th February 2026 at Victory Hall, Broadclyst

Directed by Wendy Harrington and Co-directed by Wayne Phillip

Musical Directors and Vocal Coaches – Rachael Grimshire and Katie Jones

Choreographers – Freya Brett, Katie Jones, Andy Northey, Wendy Harrington,

Rachael Grimshire

 

As I took my seat, glancing at the programme I was so impressed with the use of AI , creating the front page of the programme to show cartoon versions of the actors portraying Robin Hood and Maid Marian. I knew this was going to be good and it was.

Alex Jackson’s Robin Hood is a lively, good‑natured pantomime that embraces every hallmark of the British panto tradition while offering enough originality to keep audiences engaged from start to finish. Broadclyst Theatre Group added a good choice of well-known songs to the production but with the lyrics cleverly changed in each to fit the story and characters. Well done to Wendy Harrington, Katie Jones, Andrea Brett and Andy Northey for this. 

The plot follows the familiar arc: Robin returns to Nottingham to find the Sheriff tightening his grip on the people, Maid Marion resisting his advances, and the Merry Men scattered. A magical narrator, Fairy Fern, charming and whimsical and played by an actor with excellent stage presence and comedic timing guided the audience through the action. The running joke that she cannot fly as she interacts with an imaginary stage hand called Dave was brilliant and as she, finally,  is lifted by stage crew to fly during her bows brought audience cheers. Mother Hood, the dame, is perfectly mischievous and naughty, interacting with a male member of the audience giving him a starring role too and the perfect comedic anchor. She is nanny to Billie and Jack, played by two young actors with assurance and spirit, the nephews of The Sheriff. They both sang well along with the soloists and ensemble of the Lost Bones in Lost Bones, Rattle and Roll.

Robin Hood, played by a young actor with poise, confidence and clear dialogue, returning from the crusades, becomes the clear hero to cheer. The lovely Maid Marian was portrayed by an actor who is so watchable and has a delightful voice. She leads the band of Merry Men of Sherwood being Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, Alan-a-Dale, Little John and Much, all perfect in their characters. Will Scarlett constantly referring to beheading the baddies with Alan-a-Dale always happy and upbeat.

The ’baddies in this pantomime are, of course, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham (Farquhar) and ‘her’ band of nasties, Guy of Gisbourne, Hugh and Jasper.  The Sheriff was expertly played by an actor who used a deliciously villainous script, full of sneering arrogance and melodramatic threats that children love to boo, to great effect. Without a word and just a painted- on moustache her expressions were enough to have an audience in stitches too. She was brilliantly supported by Guy of Gisbourne and the duet they performed, You’re My Best Mate to the tune of ‘Dry your Eyes Mate’, made me cry with laughter.  As Guy is dreaming of the Sheriff, a massive speech bubble is walked on stage, as the Sheriff appears in the bubble (between the curtains) as if in Guy’s dream. A clever touch with changes in lyrics making it raucously funny. A very butch Jasper along with a gentle Hugh were contrasting and worked well together. When Hugh removes his helmet in the final scene to reveal himself as King Richard with a gorgeous mane of hair, (wig) flicking it like Farrah Fawcett Majors in Charlies Angels, the audience cheered.

The humour in this production was classic panto, silly, self‑aware, and cheerfully daft with brilliant quick-fire one‑liners such as the dame to her beau in the audience  as she discusses the lottery, ‘watch out for those bonus balls if you marry me’. Physical comedy with If I were not in Pantomime as actors duck and avoid being hit as they stand in a row. Running gags with Fairy Fern not able to fly and local references to Pinhoe Pantomime Society (who were in the audience supporting their fellow amateurs). The audience participation song was a great choice, well known and easy to sing,  I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers had the audience out of their chairs doing the actions and singing with gusto.

This society provide a great space for children and younger people to learn about theatre and subsequently this translates to the stage. In this production the ensemble and Lost Bones shone out. As soon as they entered into the auditorium or on stage they performed, acting constantly. The adult ensemble was used well with plenty of chorus moments and comedic business for supporting actors, their singing and dancing was well rehearsed and lovely to watch. The choreography was created for all talents on stage to be able to move or dance with Material Girl as a highlight and plenty of feathers for Mother Hood and her backing singers.

The set was designed to allow scenes to move between Sherwood Forest, Nottingham Castle, and the village square. Lovely painted backdrops of Nottingham village and the painted Great Oak of Sherwood along with stage props including the turret of truth,  a creaky stand-alone door (with sound effects), a torture chamber and a lit fire in the woods.  Well done to Wayne and Wendy for excellent sound and lighting design. The door creaking, thunder, horse-hooves and the arrows flying and landing in the target. Two spots as bed-side lights, with Fairy Fern spotted, gobos used on curtains and dimmed greens and yellows of the forest.

Everyone was dressed exceptionally well and the costume team deserve enormous praise. The Sheriff in black leather and fur with a silver cod-piece along with Guy, Hugh and Jasper all in black and/or silver. Fairy Fern in a green sparkly fairy dress, wings, headdress, and glittery boots. Robin in green trousers black jacket, red shirt and scarf, Friar Tuck’s fat suit and brown cassock, Maid Marian cute in a green dress with cape, the Lost Bones in skeleton costumes and Mother Hood in pinks and rainbows with various coloured wigs.

At its heart, Robin Hood celebrates fairness, bravery, and community spirit values that resonate strongly in this family orientated pantomime. This production was so slick and a joy to watch as the characters developed and the audience joined in happily.

Well done to the production team for a very enjoyable evening of pantomime entertainment from a talented cast.

 

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda Representative – South West District 5 ( Mid and East Devon)

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