The Adventures of Robin Hood & Maid Marian

It was a great pleasure to attend EROS's production of their original pantomime, "The Adventures of Robin Hood and Maid Marian" written by Erin Holmes and Natassia Charles. As a fully inclusive community performance, the spirit of ensemble and local engagement was evident from the outset, with an audience keen to support their friends, neighbours, and family members.

The self-penned script demonstrated both creativity and a deep understanding of the pantomime tradition, blending classic folklore with contemporary humour and local references. The direction made great use of the stage and surrounding areas, ensuring all cast members had their moments to shine. It was clear from the outset that considerable thought had gone into the production, resulting in a vastly improved performance.

The entire cast performed with infectious enthusiasm, which radiated through the hall and kept the audience engaged. Robin Hood and Maid Marian played by Carmel Harrison and Natassia Charles respectively made a charming central duo, handling both the comedic and central moments with skill and warmth. The supporting characters, from the dastardly Guy of Gisbourne played by Daniel Page, Friar Tuck played by Shannon Burman Boyd, Clorinda Queen of the Shepherdess’ played by Luka Groom, Sheriff of Nottingham played by Ruby Sutherland,Alan-a Dale played by Ellerose Guillory, Will Scarlett played by Alex harker,Prince/Little John played by Oli Pages, King Richard played by Jonathon Ryan and Much the Millers son played by Joshua Thompson, to the lovable Merry Men and spirited villagers, Erin Holmes, Jack Dillon, Tracy Harland, Evan Jones, JJ Hylton, Evie, Jasmyn, Toby, Peter and Nicholas each brought their own flair to the stage.  I did especially enjoy the musical numbers from Ellerose, Carmel and Natassia and was thrilled to hear Eminem featuring in the sound cues – made my night!

Particularly noteworthy was the inclusivity of the cast, with performers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities given meaningful roles and included/encouraged throughout. This not only enhanced the community feel of the show but also added an extra layer of heart and authenticity to the performance. The rapport among the cast members was evident, and their collective energy made even the classic pantomime audience participation moments a real delight.

The set was resourceful, making the most of available space and resources. The costumes contributed greatly to the overall atmosphere, with vibrant colours and thoughtful details helping to distinguish characters and add visual interest. Lighting and sound were handled competently by East Durham audio , with cues executed on time and music levels balanced well, supporting both solo vocal numbers and ensemble pieces.

It is clear that EROS has taken great strides since their last production. The cast's confidence has grown, and this was reflected in their performances. Dialogue was delivered with clarity, comic timing had noticeably improved, and musical numbers were both lively, well-rehearsed with some very strong singing. The pantomime’s inclusive ethos was perhaps its strongest asset, ensuring that every participant, regardless of experience, was actively involved and celebrated which is very much to be celebrated and encouraged.

Audience interaction is the lifeblood of any pantomime, and the cast embraced this with gusto. From encouraging shouts of "He's behind you!" to playful ad-libs and singalongs, the atmosphere was one of genuine enjoyment for all ages. The laughter and applause were well-earned and a testament to the hard work of the group.

"The Adventures of Robin Hood and Maid Marian" by EROS is a shining example of what an inclusive, community-driven pantomime can achieve. With boundless enthusiasm, improved performances, and a strong sense of togetherness, the society has delivered a show that not only entertained but also brings the community closer. Congratulations to all involved – I look forward to seeing what EROS has in store for the future.

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