ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD

It was again a great pleasure to visit this splendid ‘family’ group on the occasion of their annual pantomime ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD. It was their first night played to an almost full house, a real team effort and their ‘Team’ really is superb, creating great family entertainment. As Chairman Alan says in their programme he is grateful for their friends and helpers, who have given freely of their time and efforts, in order to make this production a success.

With a talented cast of 33 actors, singers and dancers, and with 14 scene changes, in what can only be described as a challenging set of circumstances; as far as their venue and its facilities are concerned, they deserve to be congratulated heartily for these efforts to produce a wonderful and spectacular show. However, in my estimation, it is not the size of the venue or the budget, but how a group faces and rises to its challenges to succeed.

The panto opened with some splendidly projected frightening images of Beelzebub which set the scene for the despicable Sheriff of Nottingham, nicely overplayed by Graeme Spence. His foil; The Spirit of the Greenwood, beautifully underplayed by Susan Thomas allayed our fears and off we went into the woods.

We met Maid Marian, nicely played and sung by the pretty Helene Archer, Will Scarlet ably played by Katy McMillan, and of course our hero Robin Hood, every inch the epitome of the ideal principal boy, beautifully played by Lisa Nugent.

Herman the Henchman; the right-hand man of the Sheriff was comically and haplessly played with aplomb by John Ord. He created a likeable rogue and endeared himself to us all.

Alan Tomkins was our larger-than-life Dame - Nurse Norah; also played to perfection with comedy and excellent timing, and her charges; the babes – Jazmin Bell as Janet and Angus Nugent as John – two to watch for in the future. Well done!.

The main principals were well supported by James Archer as Friar Tuck (nice wig James!), William Metcalf as the approximately ‘seven foot tall’ Little John, and David Parrack and Mark Taylor as the sheriff’s men.

There was some superb dancing and movement, with lovely choreography by Helen Wilson and Lisa Nugent, the ballets were particularly good and nicely integrated into the story.

We enjoyed a good mix of live and recorded music, well adapted and delivered by Musical Director Peter Allsopp and percussionist Peter Forster, all well chosen to fit the piece. Nicely sung by all of the principals and chorus.

Congratulations to Ann Ranson for her superb stage direction. To Alan Ranson for stage management, and also the rest of their Team for excellent costumes, set, cloths, props, lighting and sound.

If I had to ‘nit-pick’, I would say ‘fist-night nerves’ came into play on several occasions when prompts were evident. But all in all this was up to Walkerville’s usual high standard – well done EVERYONE !.

Finally, thanks to Barbara for interval refreshments and to the Society for the invite. I enjoyed my visit and had a thoroughly good night’s entertainment. I look forward to returning for KIDS ON STAGE in March.

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