The Pantomime Adventures of Robin Hood

It was hard to believe that it’s two years since my last visit to Fladbury Players. I was however pleased to be back at Fladbury Village Hall for another NODA pantomime. Furthermore, it was good to hear comments regarding the quality of NODA written scripts and the proud display of the Best Pantomime Award from the previous pantomime.

As last time the village hall was packed. The matinee performance had an audience comprising of many younger people which was good to see. Although only my second visit to the society it was, as my previous visit, evident that the Fladbury pantomime is every bit a community event. Throughout the performance we heard references to surrounding villages (showing local rivalry!) which the script enabled the cast to do. The pantomime overall contained all the usual ingredients such as audience participation, an over balancing bench in the school scene as well as innuendo.

On arriving at the hall, I was told about investment made to move to image projection in place of traditional sets. These images worked well. The hall has limitations such as lack of wings and tabs on stage. This means the main tabs need be pulled in at the end of each scene. Although this can slow a show down the bringing on of small props and getting cast on and off was effective.

I commented last time on the involvement of whole families and this was the same again and included reference within the show.

I was expecting to see Rob Brown as the dame and therefore knew I would witness numerous costume changes. Rob was not to disappoint in the role of Nanny Nora. We saw wonderfully outrageous costumes such as the traditional nurse as well as scout leader and teacher. In additional were 4 or 5 medieval costumes including one with a turret as a headdress. As always Rob made the most of the role in his delivery of lines as well as facial expressions and hand gestures.

Although a two-year gap since the last production I recognised some of the cast from the previous pantomime. This was true of Matt Owen who once again played a formidable baddie – this time the Sheriff of Nottingham. Matt encouraged the audience to boo on every appearance. He was loud but not shouting showing the evil character but not in a way which would frighten the younger members of the audience. Mention needs to be made to his renditions of ‘I’m All Alone’ from Spamalot aided by his two henchpersons Nickit and Scarper played by Danny Sanders and Mia Brotherton. Both gave confident performances as the traditional double act getting most things they were charged to do wrong.

Jon Brotherton was a likeable and convincing Much who initially tried to convince us he was Robin Hood. Jon received loud responses to each time he asked the audience how they were doing having a good rapport with the audience.

Our hero and heroine both gave good performances as Robin Hood and Maid Marian and won the hearts of the audience.

Finally, I need to mention the always rhyming Hannah Patterson who also sang, ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ well and Anita Spencer as the rather crabby Soothsayer who remained in character.

It was good to see the seven younger members of the show who were involved in some musical numbers. Congratulations to all especially for the ‘Ugly Bugs Ball’ and those with lines to deliver.

The small band comprising of two keyboards, drums and guitar were suitable and provided a good level of accompaniment.

Finally, I mentioned new technology and projection. This was used to full effect during a wedding dream / nightmare.  This showed photographs of the Sheriff dreaming of his wedding with Maid Marion only to find out it was Nanny Nora!

An enjoyable afternoon with the Fladbury Players. Thank you for the warm welcome and I now look forward to your next venture.

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