Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

The bright and lively opening number was in progress when we arrived (a little late) and the colour, enthusiasm and singing was a pleasure to watch. This pantomime script written by an author you have used before was not up to the usual very high standard. The script was very wordy and although it was delivered to the very best of everyone’s ability, dragged at times due to the sheer quantity of words. It is not a ‘mainstream pantomime’ and as there are only a handful of those, it is quite understandable to have to present ‘2nd line’ pantomimes. But this story didn’t know which to concentrate on, Robin Hood or Babes in the Wood and fell in between.

The really good playing and sound from the band was really too loud, (that’s not a contraction in terms, just a comment that there needs to be a very fine balance between MD and Sound Engineer). Although we could hear every word of dialogue, even when underscored,it was because the sound engineer had compensated individual mics to offset the volume of the band.

The fine scenery (Scenery Hire Newport) and excellent costumes (Ace Costumes Tredegar) were well up to FMTC’s usual high standard, with a magnificent set of ‘walk down’ costumes that many clubs would envy! The lighting was good and special effects were delivered on time. The singing from the whole company was of a very high standard with notable performances from Maid Marion, Robin Hood and The Sheriff of Nottingham. The chosen songs fitted the action very well and being mostly modern and up to date were much enjoyed by the audience. ‘Let It Go’ from ‘Frozen’ would have been loved by little girls in the audience. The principal performers demonstrated both talent and flair in their characters and all seemed to be having fun. The movement and dance was well designed and executed.

The audience of mainly children all obviously enjoyed the pantomime very much and my two Grandsons 9 and 11 absolutely loved it. I look forward to next year’s pantomime very much as without a doubt FMTC manage every year to produce an outstanding show, and it was only the script with weak jokes and tedious dialogue that prevented this panto from being up there with all your others. The fine finale numbers ‘I’m So Excited’ and ‘Happy’,  the costumes, singing, movement and presentation of the finale verses, ensured we all went home knowing we’d had an entertaining afternoon of fun and frivolity.

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