Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

This Society represents what community theatre is all about. Enthusiastic members who turn their hand to doing whatever has to be done.  Whether it be performing, directing, working backstage or painting scenery, they just seem to get on with it.  Come Christmastime, serious theatre gives way to the magic of pantomime and the company, joined by local children, produce their seasonal offering.

There were some very good performances in this production.  Charlotte Foster and Rachel Betts made the perfect Robin Hood and Maid Marion and Dean Kiely as Nanny Nurse Scratchit – well, what can I say!  A terrific over the top performance, with outrageous costumes - so many I lost count - what more could you want from a traditional pantomime dame.  Very well done.

Amelie Wndsor and Petra Joseph were delightful as the Babes in the Wood and Nanny’s charges, Penny and Pippa.  Very nicely acted.

Reprising her role as the good fairy, this time as The Fairy of the Forest was Jean Schofield.  We knew from the reassuring tone of her voice that the Sheriff of Nottingham and Sir Guy of Gisborne, well played by Mark Dymond and Simon Bates, would not be allowed to get away with carrying out their dastardly deeds and that good would conquer evil. 

Teresa Hennessy is a versatile actress who obviously has no qualms about playing the fool in pantomime.  Her pairing with Sue Grant to form the comedy duo Neville and Sydney had the audience in fits of laughter.  Very well done to both.

Of the other main characters, there were good performances from Judy Curry as Friar Tuck, Isobel Hartley as Will Scarlet and David Liddle as Little John.  Guards Sam Elliston and Freddie Hill played their parts well.

There were a few blips in this opening night performance.  The young chorus appeared not to be quite up to scratch with their moves, and the words of the songs seemed to evade one or two of them.  Being out on stage, especially if it’s your first time and probably with parents and grandparents in the audience, can be a nerve racking experience for many youngsters.  Full marks to them for giving it a go and I’m sure things improved during the run. I hope they enjoyed the experience and will want to join in the fun again next year.

It was obvious that a lot of time and effort had gone into devising the costume plot which was spot on.  Sound effects were also excellent and here I must mention the Tournament scene with the sound of arrows ricocheting around and ending up pinning the Sheriff’s hat to the wall – twice!  Very cleverly done.

Well done Clavering Players and congratulations to Jennifer Scott-Reid who was once again at the helm but managing this year to be on the sound desk rather than on stage!

Thank you for an enjoyable evening.

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