Robin Hood and the Babes of Sherwood

With St Blazey I have grown accustomed to seeing quality, colour, good acting & comedy sprinkled with just that bit extra! And that is precisely what I got!

St Blazey really know how to pull all the stops out! A director who not only directs but writes the show as well, that is true talent.

The Pantomime had it all, colourful costumes, comedy and slapstick in bucket loads!

The sets were very pleasing, colourful and in detail. Andy Martin and his team are to be congratulated in superb scenery that is so often taken for granted, also the lighting by Jonathan Stamp that used every light to advantage along with clever sounds from James Clarke, again taken for granted. These are jobs that need every skill in the book and can make or break a show but did it they did and did it well.

King John Played by Paul Pearce who also took on the role of King Richard played it with great command and when he told the audience to clear off, I almost left the theatre!

Jules Eley played Sheriff of Rottingham was as a really nasty blighter just begging for rotten tomatoes!  I think Jules loved his character, as much as the audience loved to boo him! Along with his side kick Griselda played by Sarah Pease (nasty piece of work) (how she hit the children with a large spoon and got a way with it I will never know!) but she looked every inch the part.

As for Granny Fanny Fish Slice …. Darren Williams nearly stopped the show with his entrance, last year he played the role like Danny La Rue, this year, with a Cornish accent, he was a man in a frock and did it well. He had the audience eating out of his hand. He can sing too, is there is no end to the talents of this actor

Alex Pearce did himself real justice playing Robin Hood, not only could he act but sing as well, a great performance in one so young!

Alana the Veil by Nikki Olsen was made for the role as was Maid Marion played by Bella Lake; as for Friar Tuck, he not only had the physique for this part but played his part with enthusiasm. Great performance.

Rosie Cheeks (Grace Withers) made the role her own with a lisp that no one could forget. It      helped enhance the character and she did it convincingly. James Gill as Tarquin paired off with Rosie worked well and James was a natural, together with great singing!

Oriel Bennett and Georgia Walkey ….. Congealia Conceptua & Anaglypta Alfrescia almost stole the show with their traditional comedy double act, coming on between scenes pushing a spit with a roasting pig. They had some marvellous gags, that just had the audience rolling with laughter, their timing was superb!

   Ruby Whitehouse as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz complete with Lion, Tin man, Scarecrow and Toto being pulled by a long lead, entered from time to time, realising they were in the wrong show. This was amusing but not sure if it worked! It seemed a bit superfluous to an already very busy show. To this I would add the reaction to the name of “Robin Hood” a fanfare and some action from those on the stage the first time and even the second and third was funny but became a little wearying after a while, especially as the hand gestures became more lengthy and complicated every time . Again, amusing but maybe overdone.

Josh Martin as the Herald did a splendid job reacting to what was being said on stage, he was so good at blowing the trumpet, I wasn’t sure if it was him or a sound effect!

Of course, no show can contemplate performing on stage without a chorus to back the principals but back them they did and were a joy to see and listen too, together with a great junior team all reacting and performing well on stage.  

The costumes were nothing short of excellent with lots of colour and detail and nuns’ habits that were very convincing, especially the wimples and veils which were very authentic.

The Musical Director, Nigel Read, needs a special mention and great credit to him, for spending what must have been many hours recording the tracks with various musicians and instruments, putting it all together and ending up with a great sound. Just like having a live orchestra in the theatre.

Nicki Murphy -Choreographer, showed her skills off well and has great experience. This certainly showed with some seamless movement and great dancing.

Mike Meer as Writer/Director brings his considerable talent to the stage with a strong cast and a great production. Maybe a little too much extraneous activity and material was packed into the script, (see comments above) however it certainly ensured that the audience got their monies worth! My sincere congratulations to Mike. I wish I had his talent.

I (together with the audience) certainly had a very entertaining evening and a real good laugh, that is what Pantomime is all about, A great and unique tradition, faithfully presented. I cannot wait to see what St Blazey, are going to do next Panto season!

Graham Liverton

 Regional Councillor NODA Southwest

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