Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood

Everything about this production was cleverly written and organised for children. Even the programme had a complete page of puzzles to keep them amused during the interval, there was their own shop where they could buy drinks, sweets and crisps and the whole production had their entertainment in mind. As usual this society, who write their own pantomimes, had incorporated plenty of ‘slapstick’, including cream all over two of the principals, bird droppings come down from the ‘sky’, baked beans poured all over each other, knock about scenes with frying pans, coshes and sticks and plenty of very corny jokes which made their young audience laugh and cheer and the adults groan! Their set was simple but clever and their scene changes might be considered old fashioned but ideal using the age old system of closing the curtains leaving a few actors in front to keep the story line going whilst new props were set on the stage behind. By far the best system when one is trying to maintain the magic of Panto for children. The lighting worked well, the costumes were simple but very appropriate and the sound effects were remarkable. They kept Damon Lingars exceedingly busy. I was particularly delighted at the bird sounds which gave a wonderful feeling to all the scenes set in the woodland.

The young audience booed and shrieked at the wicked Sheriff, Darren Worsfold who gave an outstanding performance. His version of ‘You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two’ showed his strong singing ability. Sadly I found it very difficult to pick up quite a lot of the dialogue especially Dennis Manning, the dame Nurse Gertrude, because his high pitched voice came over as a screech but his performance was everything the kids wanted from the dame. The good fairy played by Debra Thurley opened the show wearing a gorgeous dress making all the little girls ooh and aah and fall in love with her. Cai Jones (Robin Hood) Suzanne Page (Maid Marion), Roger Kidd and Laine Watson (Jack and Jill, the Babes in the Wood) gave excellent performances, maintaining their very varied personalities, speaking clearly having obviously put a great deal of effort into learning their words. Cai lead his band of Merry Men, Helen White, Julian Tiley, Mandy Lovell, Craig Bunce and Annette Mealin, with great style especially in their very amusing version of ‘We’re Men in Tights’. No pantomime is complete without a pair of incompetent ‘baddies’. Anna Bird and Andrew Bates filled these roles delightfully singing ‘Money Makes the World Go Round’ really cleverly together. A small group of four provided Villagers and various other bit parts all performing with conviction.

There were a few great Panto Touches which would delight the local adults so, thanks to the tasteful and well worded humour, parents would consider this the ideal family outing. Well done.

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