Robin Hood & His Merry Men

Bolton Little Theatre’s pantomime takes on the classic tale of Robin Hood and His Merry Men. Directed by Georgie Smart and Chris Watts.

The set is cloths and flats for Sherwood Forest with silver curtain Upstage parted to show raised platform with steps. Then various flats for the pub Ye Old Stumble Inn and the dungeon. Various props were then brought on by the cast. Set Construction Jeff Lunt, Helen Lindsey, Steve Butler, Andrew Gradwell and Jolyon Coombs and Props by Helen Lindsey. Lighting and Sound all helped create the right atmosphere. Sound by Ashley Foster and Lighting by Helen Lindsey and Chloe Spencer. Costumes were all appropriate for the characters, Wardrobe by Molly Limpets costume hire. The bear was simply adorable.

Georgie Smart and Chris Watts direct and a youthful chorus is included bringing added energy and smiles. Good use of the stage and the auditorium for entrances.  Children’s Chorus Philippa Irving, Toby Renshaw, Toby Smart-Stanton and Noah Smart-Stanton. Dancers were Tilly Morris, Tegan Rangeley, Skyla Redford, Imilce Ashworth-Alonzo and Olivia Rangeley.

King Richard was played by Carl Richards, Alan-a-Dale complete with lute was played by Karen Casterton. Little John – Robin’s right hand man - was played by Tracey Entwistle. Scratch-it and Sniff were played by Connor Beckwith and James Casterton respectively looked to thoroughly relish their roles especially with hilarious costumes and complete with water guns yes! I was soaked.  Principal girl and boy who were in fine voice were Robin Hood played by Georgie Smart and Maid Marion played by Chloe Heaton. The evil Sheriff of Nottingham was played by Simon Irving who rose to the malevolent challenge.

Ian Trumble played a cheeky Friar Tuck with lots of innuendoes thrown in and working well with the Dame. Amelia Phipps was the Sherwood Sprite and had a lovely voice and looked the part, so much so she was integrated into a few of the other scenes.

Chris Watts played Nanny Anny Flapjack making a good connection with the audience and the usuals of picking on a member of the audience and making sure he got a check every time he made an entrance and even a cheeky dance, worked well. Chris had a good connection with Craig Pennington who played Silly Willy and was also the choreographer. Chris was high energy and got the audience to join in using his Liverpudlian charm and accent to the hilt for comedy, never missing a moment. He must be shattered. Well Played.

Thank you for the invitation from my guest Rachel and I.

Liz Hume-Dawson

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