Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood

~~Another Frayn panto script for Frant Players.  This year we became members of Robin’s Band of Outlaws supporting the poor, protecting the Babes from death and overcoming the wicked Sheriff who is trying with henchmen Grovel and revolting nose picker Snivel to steal the King’s money. Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic helped along the way. As in all good pantomimes evil is rife but with plenty of corny jokes, classic innuendos, cheering and shouting, bows and arrows at the ready and little fairy stardust all ends happily. A neat A5 programme containing lovely illustrations from the children at the local primary school was devised by Sian Killick, who also took responsibility of prompt when not being the lovely Fairy in mauve. Mary Barnes took up the baton as MD with piano arrangements accompanied once again by David Fenner on his drums. With a good mix of classic and upbeat music including versions of ‘Mr Blue Sky’, ‘Having a Good Time’, ‘Be My Friend’, ‘Men in Tights’, with solos, duets and chorus work coming across well most of the time. Nicely painted side flats of the Nottingham greenwood by Kate who was roped in at the last minute. Excellent castle backdrops, tower and the money safe scene worked well. Chairman Jackie was in charge colourful costumes, particularly for Nurse Nelly with brilliant wigs and make up to match. The Sheriff lived up to baddie reputation looking quite evil in black leathers, great cloak and sporting black curly long wig. Dan Godfrey together with Brett Lewis co-ordinated effects in both lighting and sound, bangs and smoke! Pippa Attwood on her second panto direction, was unwell. I do hope she saw the result of her hard work.  Nick Jeal changed sex this year becoming nasty Tarquin Sheriff of Nottingham, his dame laugh turning into an evil snarl of a potential thief and murderer. His assistants made a good job of getting everything wrong with Ray Hodges nose wiper Snivel and Ollie Pierce as Grovel. Mark Richardson, our knight in shining armour alias Robin of the Hood valiantly rescued young Maid Marion, delightfully played by Abbie Tagg. Robin was ably assisted by Richard Pierce as Little John, Toby Champneys as a jolly read cheeked Friar Tuck wonderfully dressed in sacking alongside Sarah Champneys slapping her thighs as Will Scarlett.  The four together had some fun with their script! Alan Richardson in a comedy role, was the lovely Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic resplendent in her outrageous costumes. Little ones in the chorus, and the youngsters playing the babes obviously enjoyed themselves and the audience joined in the spirit ‘Nellie the Elephant’ was certainly a hit. The King regally performed by Clive Moores, returned from the Crusade, his monies were recovered and Robin becomes a Sir.  Well done one and all. 

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