Robin Hood

RODS pantomime is always traditional and the audience, generally, has a significant number of children.  This production was no exception and, in truth, having lots of children in the audience is what panto is all about.

This was the first RODS panto that Karen Barton directed, although I understand she has some experience with other societies, and very good job she did too.   There were some lovely comedy moments that she introduced.   I particularly liked the ‘poor’ as they followed Nursie Nancy’s perambulations across the stage.

All the Principals gave good performances, they are a seasoned bunch and know what makes a good pantomime.    Freya Harrison took the Principal Boy role of Robin Hood, coming back onstage after a few years directing, and she was excellent in the part.   Zoe Tebbutt played Will Scarlett with great style, keeping the audience involved and producing another strong performance.   Trevor Bavin took his usual place as the Dame (Nursie Nancy) and I really liked this slightly toned down version of a dame, all the ingredients were there but without being too OTT.

Kathryn Llewellyn (Fairy Britannia) kept the show moving along at a good pace, and Mike Robertson made a brilliant and villainous Sheriff of Nottingham.  Maree Gaskin was terrific as the evil witch (Evilynn) and I loved the nose, perfect!  Linzi Robertson (Maid Marion) and Hilary Johnson (Red Riding Hood) both performed well in their respective roles. 

Zoe Juniper (Gal of Gisbourne) and Gerry Searle (Guy of Gisborne) made good henchmen, I understand that this was Zoe’s first role and she did a very good job too.   She will, I am sure, learn to project a little more as she gains confidence  I was in the second row and sometimes found it difficult to hear her, especially over the noise being made in the audience (which is to be expected in an audience consisting of a large number of children.  One thing about panto is that all the cast have to project to make sure that the audience can hear the dialogue.  Gemma Elsey (Alana Dale) Martin Wood (Friar Tuck) and Terry Pearce (Little john) completed the Merrie Men and they all brought their characters to life, providing excellent support to the main characters and some lovely comedy moments of their own.

The ensemble provided good support throughout the show and the Kelly Went dancers provided excellent dance interludes.  The scenery was good, I liked the use of the triangular flats, a good solution to limited space on stage and very easy to change.  Scene changes were, in the main, smooth and not intrusive.  Costumes were good, well co-ordinated and fitting for the scenes.  Richard Langstone and his Swinging Santa’s provided good music and this was just the right level to support, not drown the performers.

Overall, another entertaining pantomime to start the festive season.  Well done RODS.

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