Robin Hood & Babes in the Wood

~~This was a very cleverly scripted Pantomime by Alan Frayn, quality was present in every line and The Bradford Players did their utmost to make their performance worthy of the script.  Most of the jokes were easily understood, and laughed at, by children, Mums and Dads and Grandparents alike.

The two ‘funny men’ Snivel & Grovel (Charlie Vincent and Katrina McEachran) kept a very tight balance in their performance making people laugh by being silly but not overly stupid, which can sometimes turn an audience off. Robin Hood & Maid Marion (Tammie Butterworth and Debbie Cross) delighted us with their presentation and singing, The Sheriff of Nottingham (Richard Hunt) received his well deserved ‘boos’ but also huge applause when he delivered a long speech (which must have been difficult to learn!!) every word beginning with the letter ‘D’ – he then had to repeat it much faster and that was followed by King Richard (very Royally played by Roger Butterfield) repeating most of it again.  Literally the audience was in stitches laughing and very much appreciated their efforts.  I must mention Friar Tuck very capably played by Jono Gadsby who had taken over the part with less than a weeks’ notice, who together with Will Scarlett (Jo Haynes) and Little John (Christopher Stewart), together with the help of the audience, ably completed the merry band of men.  Of the other characters, Wendy Robinson was a very beautifully dressed Good Fairy; Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic (Carl Murray) was totally believable, again because this part was not overacted, and was quite gorgeous in her high heels and many costumes and wigs but the stars, if we can have any in a Pantomime, were the King’s Nephew and Niece Sam and Ella (say it quickly and you will get the joke!!). If it didn’t spoil the plot these children should have been called ‘Super and Dooper’ because first class performances were given by Reece Garra-Jennings and Charlotte Lindley.  I do hope they will have the opportunity to show off their acting, singing and dancing talents in the future.

Costumes throughout the show were very good for Principals and Chorus alike, there were some very good backcloths and an excellent ivy covered Castle in which to imprison Maid Marion.  Balance between the backing tracks and stage was very good, as was the lighting, sound and the special effects. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

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