Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

This pantomime was written and Directed by the ever so talented Ian Field who tells us in his programme notes that his reference books list both ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘The Babes in the Wood’ as pantomime stories in their own right, but after more research he found out that in the majority of cases the ‘Principle Boy’ in ‘Babes in the Wood’ was actually ‘Robin Hood’.... so why not combine the two he thought!  Hence this year’s panto! (Bargain...two for the price of one or to use the current vernacular a ‘BOGOF’... Buy One, Get One Free’)

There is absolutely no doubt that everyone involved from this more than friendly society thoroughly enjoyed being part of this pantomime and were rewarded by a small but vocal audience...  Oh No They Weren’t... Oh Yes They Were!

The Staging was minimal yet used everyone inch of space available... congrats to Julie Clarke (Stage Manager) and her Assistant Nikomi Holding and her helpers back stage... great job!  The lighting and the sound was good and enhanced the performance, well done to Caitrona Muir.  Costumes were superb – provided by Charades (St.Helens) and additional costumes provided by the Society.... when you read through the programme you just get the feeling that everyone just ‘mucks in’ and that is the reason things get done.... well done everyone...the reward was a great show!

The success of this pantomime was for me down to a great ‘team effort’ - you could just tell from the moment the curtain opened that everyone on stage was working together to ensure the success of the production, so when that happens, it really is difficult to mention people without possibly doing injustice to others, but having said that, I also do feel that it would be remiss of me not to ‘stick my neck out’ and tell you MY favourite performances, but make mention of all other cast members... so here goes –

Without a ‘shadow of doubt’ the star’s of this show for me were ‘Sid Smashem (a ne’er-do-well) and Bert Bashem (an even more-so ne’er-do-well) played ever so well by Dave Palin and Ann Wasley respectively. Oh my goodness these two were hilarious!  Individually great – together amazing!  From their first entrance to their last – it was laugh after laugh.  Stage presence, chemistry, comedic timing and with super facial expressions these two were priceless. Congrats to both on a job well done!

Nurse Norah Nogginbottom, our pantomime dame, was played really well by Darren Robertson.  Again good stage presence, good comedy timing, Darren worked the audience really well.  Well done sir!

Our ‘baddies’ also had great chemistry.  Ian Field played the ‘The Sherriff of Nottingham’ ever so well... hen pecked and a bit dozy!  His wife - ‘Lady Asphyxia’ was played wonderfully well by June Dowd.  June portrayed the ‘nasty, evil’ queen that she was, very well – she had a horrible description of herself for every letter in the alphabet bar ‘X’ - a fact she was ever so very proud of... well done you two!  

From ‘baddies’ to ‘goodies’ - ‘Robin Hood’, our hero, was played really well by Debbie Jones.  Debbie looked totally as ease in this role which she made her own. And was in character and believable throughout the show ... well done!  Cheryl Rose-Coulthard played the part of our ‘good fairy’ ‘Fairy Evergreen’ (the spirit of Greenwood).  Again, she looked totally comfortable and was a perfect fit for this part...great diction and good stage presence, which is vital in this type of role... be proud!

The principle cast also included Hannah Wrigley in the role of ‘Maid Marion’; Evie Birkett  as ‘Betty’ and Lewis Holding as ‘Benny’ – the ‘Babes’ in the Wood; Virginia Birkett played ‘Billy’ (the chef from the castle). The ‘Merry Men’ were made up of Rebel Moore, Ruben Berger, Patrick McNulty who played ‘Friar Tuck’, ‘Will Scarlett’ and ‘Little John’ respectively (Ruben Burger tripled up as ‘A yeoman and a Stranger’)

The chorus included Eva Bentham, Amelia Cook, Izabella Howard, Hollie Jones, Katie Jones, Freya Pennington, Hannah Robertson, Emilia Winstanley, Freya Winstanley, Brook Russell, Keira Johnson, Katie Gaskell, Emilia Livesey, James Rose- Coulthard, Artie Harris, Harvey Wilson-Taylor, Hayley Bentham, Carole Cunliffe, Shelia Livesey, Veronica Livesey and Charlotte Wrigley.

Last, but certainly not least can I just make ‘special mention’ of the two ‘Panto Dancers and Tumblers’ ... Hollie Jones and Isobella Howard... these two young ladies worked their ‘socks off’ creating some really scary ‘tumbling routines’ which, like their dancing they made look so easy and effortless, I can only think a great deal of hard work went into the routines... congrats to you both!

Just one final thing before closing... it was sad to see Ian Field standing down as Chairman of the Society.  I’ve only known Ian for a couple of years, but it’s been a pleasure getting to know him and communicating with him about the shows.  I know he’ll still be around busying himself in everything St Michael’s ... enjoy the rest, if that’s even remotely possible!

Thank you so much for inviting me... it really is a privilege and a pleasure attending your productions and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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