Robin Hood & Babes in the Wood

What I love about this group is the family atmosphere, but I was worried not to see the usual large poster on the edge of the green as I turned off the main road – had I got the date wrong!! But no all was well and received as usual a warm welcome from Kate Gale and was introduced to new Director Emma Birks on her debut production, who I’m sure was delighted with her efforts of the team’s hard work.

Kate Gale once again designed the medieval England setting at the Goose Fayre, in the woods, Nurse Nellies boudoir, the school room and the castle using front flats and backdrops with the added attraction of great props large and small collated by Richard Pierce and Jackie Manktelow adding the good finishing touches.

Using the old original Robin Hood theme and hearing the audience gently singing the words was a perfect nostalgic start. Poet with golden locks and wings introduced the tale from a decorated lectern admirably quoted by Oliver Pierce. Sian Richardson appeared in colourful red and yellow tunic and hose as minstrel Alana Dale who beautifully strummed her medieval ditties with clear ‘hey nonny nonny’s’ at the annual Goose Fayre, where an archery competition was taking place. Upsetting archer Sir Guy played by Jill Thorpe-Apps in chain mail and distinctive facial features, our hero Robin displayed his talent and of course with eagle eye won. So having agreed to join Robin’s merry gang to rob the rich to help the poor from deep in the forest, we prepared to boo and cheer in order to win the day by defeating the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. His evil plot was to steal King Richard’s coffers and murder delightful babes – confident Summer Shepherd and Lucy Jenkins portraying Sam & Ella (play on words) his young wards, whilst he gallantly left for the Crusade. Knightly attired with drawn sword; Richard Pierce looked ready for battle, complete with crown  Richard the Lionheart marched off to rousing cheers. Toby Champney was convincingly horrid in a splendid royal blue costume with tights and jaunty angled beret and was adept in his dastardly ‘D’ descriptor sequence. More tights with his two useless comedic henchmen with Peter Payne as sniffy nose wiping and picking Snivel together with Pippa Shepherd karate kicking Grovel created chaos.

Laura Gale gave a good portrayal of a kind and determined Robin with of course the added romance element falling for a gentle Maid Marian characterised by Ameila Dahm together through script and song making a confident pair. Robin recruited his merry men including expert brewer, jolly faced, rounded Friar Tuck with Steve Turnwell obviously enjoying his character. Tall Russell Hall a perfect Little John supplied many a cracker joke  and was ably supported by Will in red – Charley Cover with David Bowen as smocked countryman Much the Miller. Nick Jeal beautifully made up, wearing flamboyant outfits and hairdos and gold shoes was in his element as Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic/schoolteacher supposed to be looking after the babes and with his infectious giggle and on entry getting us to shout ‘not on your nellie Nellie’ which we did rather well I think. The named characters were supported by Dot Smytherman, Amelia Manktelow, Toby Hewitt and Heidi Turner.  I know there were new faces this year and I’m sure they enjoyed the panto experience with this enthusiastic group of hardworking Frant group.

Hidden in his black box at the back of the hall sat Ray Hodges operating the lighting and sound board and together with SM Dave Gale kept the show running smoothly. Prompt corner was covered by Sheila Gault guiding the lines as and when. Good taped lively musical items were chosen and put across with strong enthusiastic modern dance routines devised by Pippa. The tights lineup of high kicks was well executed. Perfect rousing finale in ‘I’m walking on Sunshine.’ Plenty of laughter, hammering of poor old, Snivel’s head, safe breaking and explosions, an amusing school bench scene, children’s participation and  a romance element rolled into one and proving once again good overturns evil. Costumes by Jill and multi-tasking Naomi were a creit. A final mention  to the F of H volunteers, bar  and hospitality helpers.  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.