Robin Hood or The Merry Men and the Maid

This was certainly not the usual pantomime Robin Hood and his Merry Men – yes the storyline of Robin robbing the rich and helping the poor and there was plenty of Lincoln green and the well-known characters – the Sherriff of Nottingham, Sir Guy of Gisbourne, Friar Tuck and Maid Marian. And of course girl gets boy after trials and tribulations along the way. But there is no Dame, no horrid sisters, slapstick or panto animals. The G & S music was cleverly interwoven and adapted from twenty-four favourites from various Savoy operettas and the beauty of no mics just natural clear voices be they solos, duets or ensemble work.

Although I do not know the co-writers personally, I am delighted to be in local contact with their family who were also attending this Sunday afternoon full house audience. I understand that there were last minute cast problems, but the company rallied and all worked out well. The Grove Theatre is a small intimate venue and there was a friendly Christmassy feeling. A good raffle was held and there was a warm welcome in the bar area too. An A4 colourful programme with a delightful front cover was produced containing NODA information and criteria required to be entered into our annual competition.

The set was simple, designed by Steve Walter, enhanced with Lighting designed by Tom Lynn operating with Stewart Patient. Sound was good with Catherine Cowan accompanist with page turners Yvonne Lloyd and Louisa Patient under the expert direction of Cate. Helen Morbey & Rowan Stanfield headed the wardrobe department and together with loans and good props the cast were very well attired in medieval costumes, headgear, and footwear.

Opening with ‘It’s a Tale of Robin Hood’ was Nigel Lawton as Alan-a-Dale together with the ensemble. The narrator of the tale was ‘Spirit of the Wood’ Jane James a newcomer to the Society and well done for stepping in, as did stalwart Michael Bale who took the part of Robin our hero. Tiffany Lynn sang the delightful part of Marian – this her second appearance with the group. Regular performer of great patter songs was Paul Eccles as love to hate Sheriff of Nottingham. Another powerful performance came from Richard Woodall with his rich voice as not so lovable Sir Guy. Annie Sivers was the firstly disguised Queen and delivered a fine rendition of ‘O Peaceful England’ from Merrie England. Young Monty Merrymead made his debut as a mischievous Little John impressing with ‘For the Merriest of Fellows Are We’ from the Gondoliers. Another debut came from Jonathan Statter creating a very jolly Friar Tuck. Well cast supporting roles were taken by Georgia Kyriacou as Kate, Rowan Stanfield as Jill who was delighted to have her son Kyle treading the boards with her as Will Scarlett. Clare Daly as Much performing ‘With Cat like Tread.’ Lady Fitzwater was played by hard working Secretary Sue Davies. The company was complete with the strong ensemble work from Sophie Gurney, Louisa Dale, Julie Bourne, Paul Bailey Smith and Trevor Allen.

Under the creative direction of Wendy, the company produced a most enjoyable entertainment, keeping the G & S music alive and thanks to Zoe and Stuart for sharing their work with NODA G & S lovers. Thank you for your kind hospitality and wishing you a Happy New Year of Gilbert & Sullivan fun.

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