Robin Hood

The opening of this show had maximum impact, with young dancers with beaming smiles, confidently performing an energetic routine. It immediately lifted the spirits and took the audience to the magical world of Pantomime. The opening song from the chorus, backed by a colourful set, continued the feel good factor. Though the cast was large the stage was never overcrowded, and everyone was totally involved. The chorus always supported the principals and were always engaged in suitable activities, which did not detract from what was happening at the front of the stage. They engaged with and responded to all the action taking place, as in the classroom, with the launching of paper planes and pulling faces at each other. The young chorus members were confident and had taken direction well. The principals had been well cast and worked well together and seemed to be enjoying themselves. We saw a feisty Maid Marion, with a lovely singing voice; a suitably outrageous Dame Nora Tittle-Tattle her nanny; a well characterised Soothsayer, with good diction and her crystal ball; a confident Enchantress of the Forest, trying to overcome evil. Robin Hood was a suitable hero, smitten by Maid Marion, with the rest of his ‘Merry Men’ to keep him company, particularly a ‘Frank Spencerish’ Much the Miller’s son, who did well in warming up the audience so that they were ready to participate.  The Trainee Merry Men were fun; I liked their ‘attitude’, and keeping in character in the walk down I felt The Sheriff of Nottingham was too nice most of the time, although there were moments, which were more evil; and King Richard was suitably authoritative at the end. How the Sheriff managed to continue with his song in the bedroom scene, with such antics going on around him I do not know, it showed great concentration. There was much slapstick humour, particularly in the schoolroom scene, which was mainly engineered by Nickit and Scarper, the Sheriff’s Tax Collectors, with excellent comic timing. They were my three-year-old grandsons favourites. There was an interesting choice of songs, which were well delivered, and not too long. The choreography was interesting and was well tailored to the cast. The costumes were colourful and fitted well. There were a few late entrances, which were mainly well covered, and occasionally it was lacking pace; but the main criticism I have is that over two and a half hours for a pantomime is too long. Everyone had worked hard to bring this to the stage. The music had been well taught; the dancers were confident and there were lots of smiles; the lighting and sound were well cued; the sets all gave a good ambience to the show and were changed efficiently. Director Heather Newman had helped her cast create their roles and encouraged them to make full use of the stage. You all worked hard and the audience enjoyed it.  

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