Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

The show was a traditional pantomime which combined two tales into one, merging the folk tale of the outlaw Robin Hood with the cautionary fairy tale of Babes in the Wood. It had everything you need for a good pantomime, a hero, his love, a villain, a dame and a comedy duo. Back again after their success last year, the directors combined to bring another enjoyable pantomime to the Wargrave stage. This one was different in that the dame was a smaller part, and the baddie was more stern than funnily evil, but it worked.

The show had been well cast, and the principals had all developed brilliant characterisations. The comedy duo in particular was brilliant with plenty of slapstick and vivid facial expressions. They were well supported the ensemble who looked to be really enjoying themselves. The directors and cast made the most of the corny jokes and physical humour, mostly at the expense of Little John and there was much hilarity. The principals sang well with good tone and expression, but at times, the music was quite loud which meant that some of the singers were lost in the mix. 

The set had been imaginatively designed with back drops and set pieces to depict a beamed mansion house, the forest, Dame Nellie’s boudoir and the school room. There was an impressive full height tower front stage left where Maid Marian was imprisoned. There were lots of lovely little touches with birds in flight, a ‘marching’ knight and an interactive chest of drawers with clothes flying into it as the drawers opened.

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