Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

It was great to receive a very warm welcome from the front of house and to be able to watch your 2023 production after your enforced absence. The pantomime you decided upon this year used to be two different tales which were performed separately but, joined together added to the number of principle parts for your talented company. We were ready to be transported to a land of legends where the bad forces always attempt to overthrow the good ones and the ensuing adventure begins. As was expected the Alan P. Frayn script we had a hero, villain, comedy, ghosts, love story and audience participation, it told a good story which your cast delivered with gusto.

The night I was in it was nearly a full house and it was great to see you supported by two local pantomime groups who were ready to ensure all those in the audience had an enjoyable evening.

The lighting and sound were expertly controlled at the back of the hall and enhanced the action on the stage. It was unusual to see both radio mics and stage mics but they were well controlled and all the dialogue could be clearly heard.

The backdrops used provided good perspective to the village scenes and detail in the forest, castle, gardens, boudoir and schoolroom. All additional scenery added to each storyline and the props were all well used. I especially liked the special target, Alana Dale’s instrument and Little John’s ingenious picture of wine. Many congratulations to your backstage crew who worked quickly and quietly to change scenes.

The costumes which were numerous were colourful, period and well-fitting and enhanced every scene. The players status could be easily distinguished by the decoration added to them. The woodland animal and the UV toys costumes were spectacular and added a lovely touch to the show. The Sheriff had a look of Alan Rickman and the Dames outfits were beautifully constructed with lots of added detail. It was also great to see that time had been taken to add appropriate footwear to each outfit, it makes so much difference to the over-all look.

Your Musical Director was ably assisted on percussion and they led all the many musical numbers in the performance. These were beautifully executed but I did wonder if your practice of singing some of the songs through twice or fully added to the lateness of the performance finishing. Maybe something to think of for next year’s pantomime!

The choreographer had created various routines which were well executed to ensure all the members of your company could achieve success. It was great to see a thigh slapping routine danced by the merry men and the two children’s numbers enchanting.

The audience were welcomed into the show by a clearly delivery speech from the poet this set the scene for what was to follow.

In the Goose Fayre scene, we were introduced to your baddy The Sheriff of Nottingham or ‘Tarquin’ as Nurse Nellie took great pleasure in telling everyone, who arrived with Maid Marian. He created a totally believable villain and elicited boos whenever he appeared but, his childlike reaction to his former nurse was comical. Maid Marion looked every bit the medieval heroine with her long following auburn locks. She delivered her lines with feeling, sang beautifully and was animated in every scene. She was a well matched with Robin Hood both in speech and song, the actor looked totally at ease in the role and gave a strong, confident, authentic performance throughout. You had no doubt that the pair would succeed.

Of course, what does Robin Hood need? A band of Merry Men! We were certainly treated to a selection during this production. Friar Tuck looked suitable rotund, he clearly liked his mead and all his text was well delivered he sang tunefully and it was great to his dance moves, eventually. Little John was a joy to watch, what a truly flexible physical comic, not a pun was wasted!  I hope you allowed this player to have a cushion as the week went on. Alana Dale certainly looked the part with the musical notes on the tunic and instrument strung across his body. The actor had a beautiful smile throughout the performance and sang and spoke with conviction. Will Scarlet was resplendent in her red outfit and gave a considered performance in both speech and song, which certainly added to the plot.

The Sheriff’s henchmen worked their socks off every time they appeared on stage. They had superb physical delivery and comic timing although Snivel’s flicking certain made people near me gag! The dynamite scene was funny and the ‘When I nod my head you hit the nail’ had the audience in stitches.

Your Babes were Sam and Ella; what useful names to add lines to a script; portrayed their roles confidently. They gave secure performances and Ella’s scream could shatter glass!!

What can I say about your new Dame? I have known him since birth and seen him progress from children’s roles through various adult performances in a variety of costumes to his new challenge which I watched tonight. As I expected he put everything into the role and created a larger-than-life character. It can be easy for a Dame to go over the top and become too crude but he was just there with comments and looks which the adults understood to the physical actions the children loved, although I’m glad I was not involved in his discipline scene with the cricket bat. He interacted well with the Babes and the schoolroom palaver was great with all the double entendres and physical antics. As always, he sings with gusto and his various well-known numbers ended up being audience participation items especially ‘Count on Me’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’. Those who know will understand why I sent him a personal text saying his mother would have been very proud. A spectacular new role.

Completing the named cast members were King Richard who was suitably regal and commanded the stage when he returned and Sir Guy who certainly looked put out when he didn’t win the arrow competition.

A true pantomime company cannot produce a show of your standard without a chorus who are totally on point throughout a performance. All those on stage were animated, knew what was happening and added detail to scenes. It was wonderful to see the age range and ability of those included in this production.

Thank you for a wonderful evening’s entertainment and the tasty snacks.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions

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