Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

You can always rely on Littleport Players to produce a fun-filled family pantomime and this year’s production was no exception. This mix of Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood provided lots of well-known characters for the cast to get their teeth into. We had a hero, villain, love story, comedy, ghosts, and audience participation.

The excellent scenic settings designed by Karen Booth and Becky Smith created various acting areas in this large drama studio style theatre giving plenty of scope for the large cast who made good use of it.  The scenery was enhanced by some really good trees and props which Littleport Cubs and Scouts helped to make. A good job was made in providing a varied mix of costumes in bright colours to bring the characters to life. My only comment here was that the King appeared to be wearing a very modern pair of trousers and shoes.  Lighting and Sound were good and well handled by Chris Rose, James Rose and Johnny Jarvis.

MD Mark A. J. Checkley had ensured songs were all delivered and performed confidently and clearly from an enthusiastic ensemble, who were quite clearly enjoying the show.  Good, well drilled choreography by Becky Smith, Nikki Dyer-Scott and Megan Bidecant was done well especially by the very young members of the Ensemble.  The ten tiny dancers from The School of Dance Littleport added cuteness in their contributions to the show.

All principals played their individual roles well.  Chloe Phillips-Bartlett as Robin Hood looked totally as ease in this role and gave a strong, confident and believable performance throughout. The duet with Maid Marian of The Song That Goes Like This was a highlight of the evening.  Robin was ably supported by a trio of Merry Men. Claire Lees as an enthusiastic Friar Tuck, Jack Barry, making the most of his corny jokes as Little John and Hannah Ridley as a lively Will Scarlett.   Alice Bubb was great as Maid Marion though, unusually, this was quite a small role but was nevertheless well done.

Megan Bidecant was extremely impressive and totally believable as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. Snivel and Grovel aka Becky Smith and Chelsea Booth proved, with their superb delivery and comic timing, that they are one of the best comedy duos around. They are both very natural and very funny.  The Dame is a larger than life character which is pivotal to a panto and crucial to involving the audience right from the start. Unfortunately the delivery and comic timing of Snivel and Grovel did not always extend to Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic (Sue Caller) who was maybe suffering from first night syndrome. I am sure though that as the week went on and once Nellie’s nerves settled down her confidence grew.

Those in minor roles provided really good support: Charlotte Robinson (Sir Guy), Bradley Perry in the dual role as King/Poet and particularly Jo Ward and Jessica Gillett-Woodley as the “babes”Sam and Ella.  A pantomime Ensemble is not to be dismissed lightly as this is the first thing we see and congratulations to all those involved not only in the lively opening number but throughout the show.

Director Karen Booth, MD Mark, the musicians, the trio of Choreographers, the technical team and the Cast should all be congratulated on an entertaining and fun evening.

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