Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood

Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood- a mash up of two fairy tales wrapped into one, with Robin Hood and his (very) merry men trying to outwit the evil, greedy Sheriff of Nottingham, whilst Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic does all she can to protect the babes from the incompetent Snivel and Grovel. Can they outwit the Sheriff? Can Nellie protect the Babes? Can the almost 80 minute first act keep a child engrossed long enough for them not to get restless? With fellow show watcher and child in tow, I went along to find out the answer to these questions, and more!

Robin Hood and Maid Marian, played by Max Burrow and Martha Rand worked well together. Max playing a very honourable Robin, with Martha exhibiting the poise of a lady as Marian.

Robin`s Merry Men were all well played - each giving their individual roles different characterisation so you knew exactly who they were and what part they had to play within the band of Merry Men. Little John (Emily-Kate Unsworth), Friar Tuck (Izzie Shires), Much (Becky McCleery) and Alana Dale (Kes Wright)-Well done!

Robin`s adversary, The Sheriff of Nottingham was suitably evil and performed by Reece Carter, managing to draw out the required boo and hiss quota any baddie worth their salt should from the audience. I did feel though, that he could have been a little more unpleasant towards everyone and everything- especially with the incompetent twosome, Snivel and Grovel, played by Amos Rand, and Alice Payne. Both working together well, and playing their parts with aplomb, Alice`s over-egging, exuberance and comic timing throughout were exceptional.

Tobias Wright had the task of Pantomime Dame, Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic. Tobias`s adroit high spirits, sense of timing and cheeky manner when dealing with the audience came over well, and was definitely an audience favourite.

The Babes, Ella and Sam (Nerissa Blatchly and Charlie Baker) were played with a great level of confidence, as were the poet, Sir Guy and King Richard (Caitlin Mason, Douglas McCleery and Darwin/Austin Hamer).

All ensemble numbers were performed well, and with great enthusiasm.

Sound and lighting were good, with all sound effects in the right places and sound levels pitched just right. Staging and lighting were good and changes were slick.

So, in answer to the questions- Yes, they outwitted the Sheriff. Yes, Nellie protected the babes. For an adult, yes they kept me entertained as well as themselves, although just after the hour mark, the fore-mentioned child was getting a little restless. If the script hadn`t been as good as it was, and the costumes so colourful, I think it might have been a lot harder for the performers to keep the younger element engaged.

That said, once again Grange Amateurs Production Team of Jean and Mick Malkin had produced a really good pantomime- helped by the fact that once again the society had picked a really good script- this really does make all the difference- especially in pantomime.

Thank you, Grange and District Amateur Operatic Society, for your invite and your hospitality.

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