Robin Hood and His Very Merry Men

The Riverside Arts Centre was absolutely packed with an enthusiastic audience for the first night of the Players’ pantomime. It is to the credit of their director, Gloria, and her team that it happened at all. They have suffered appalling setbacks during work-up…having to replace the original director and members of the cast and crew, largely through sickness.

The show got off to a lively start with Robin Hood…the theme song to the memorable ‘50s series. Everyone was quickly singing and clapping along.

Dame Fanny Fiddlesticks (Bob Wells) and Twangit (Ashley Felstead) entertained us with a lively Consider Yourself  along with the excellent dancers. Bob insisted he was not a feminine dame and we’d all agree with that. He had stepped in at short notice and gave a fine ironic performance.

The audience welcomed a cracking Robin Hood (Sophie Hartley) whilst the dancers sang Spread a Little Happiness. Robin was supported by a vigorous Little John, played by Sam Newman; and Rob Day, as an erudite Friar Tuck, spouting vast amounts of pseudo-Latin.  Just back from his own sickbed, he may have been a trifle feverish !

Saara-Sofia Paallo was a charming Maid Marion and sang I Will Survive, with the senior dancers.

Merlin (Derek Stringer) and Robert Hardy, as either Grabbit or Hugh Jampton, performed the “Tiddly Tree” sketch with aplomb and good comic timing.

Lighting sometimes went a bit awry; and radio mics were fun…sometimes only working once the actor had gone offstage. Fortunately, nothing rude or incriminating was said. Good sound effects and the music was well chosen, although it did sometimes dominate the singers. The projections were quite lovely and were used very skilfully, in that they didn’t ‘paint’ the performers. Props were handled well, furniture etc. was moved smoothly and there was an excellent array of colourful costumes.

Sweet Marion, with the outlaws and dancers, was another lively number. The audience joined in wholeheartedly…and possibly won that round.

There was a good, rousing start to ACT II, with a light show and dancers. Then the “Pursued By A Bear” routine, followed by the dancers and I’m Still Standing.

The Green Fairy (Nicky Breslin) sparkled as the champion of Good. She led the motley crew in Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

Geoff Buckingham The Sheriff of Notty Nuff was Evil incarnate, especially for crimes against poetry. Alison Johnston-Ralph played his equally nasty sister with skill and enthusiasm.

Good triumphed over evil; and Robin & Marion sang I Only Want to be With You.

We Are The Champions was a fitting finale.

Well done Riverside Players. Despite the massive problems you’ve experienced, all of your players were entertaining and enthusiastic. The principals were well supported by: Dominic Prince, Steve Leggett, Ashley Bolle and Darina Atwood-Cox.

And your dancers, junior and senior, were delightful. They were well choreographed and looked happy and confident.

Thank you Gloria…and everyone onstage and technical…for a fun evening !

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