Robin Hood

Robin Hood is a traditional pantomime performed by many societies, and I was looking forward to seeing what Cheshunt Dramatic Society would do with this classic title.

Pippa Willis, as director, clearly aimed to produce a traditional pantomime, and she achieved that. The choreography by Alycia Ball was simple, but she ensured that all abilities were used effectively.

Verity Ball Willis played the title role of Robin Hood. She had a good presence on stage, and she and Amy Connor, who played Maid Marion, formed a strong partnership.

Ollie Pajak played Mother Hood, the dame of the pantomime. Ollie certainly has the presence required for a dame, and I thought the costumes—made by the CDS Costume Team, led by Pam Murphy and Alycia Ball —were lovely. At times, however, I felt Ollie needed to soften the portrayal slightly, as it occasionally came across a little too forceful.

The Sheriff of Nottingham was played by Paul Matthews. He managed to earn plenty of boos from the audience, which can sometimes be difficult to achieve. His assistant, Sir Guy of Gisbourne, played by Alfie Bennett, was a good sidekick—nervous and timid.

Pam Murphy and Lynn Jones played the babes, a role traditionally performed by children. This was a unique take, and I liked that the other characters broke the fourth wall to give a knowing nod to the audience.

Tanja Carnell played Fairy Fern and seemed slightly nervous. She delivered her lines well at times, but occasionally less is more; standing still can sometimes have a greater impact.

Lyn Hudson (Will Scarlet), Trish Waddington (Friar Tuck), Christine Swindell (Alan‑A‑Dale), Daniel Levey (Little John), and Sue Crane (Much, the Miller’s Son) made up the band of Merry Men.

For the first time at Cuffley Hall, the society hired backcloths, and they were used effectively. They added depth to the stage and gave the cast a little more room to work with. I also liked the large prop in Act 2—it was well built.

It was clear that the audience enjoyed the show, and the cast tried to engage them at every opportunity.

Thank you to the front of house team for their hospitality.

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