The Pantomime Adventures of Robin Hood

perryway players & livewire

The Pantomime Adventures of Robin Hood

Cadbury Hall, Frampton on Severn                                               January 3rd 2019

Directors: Matthew Frith and Rachael Merrett    Choreographer: Matthew Frith          

This was the first of several productions of Robin Hood I was due to see this season.  As soon as the safety announcements started I knew this was likely to be different as it was in the form of instructions of a flight take off.  The settling in music played over the opening ‘Wide Screen’ titles, as in the cinema, was in medieval style so musically setting the era well.  After such a tremendous build up with fantastic graphics, which filled the audience with anticipation for what was to come, the actual set could have been a disappointment; but once the curtains were opened we were transported straight to Nottingham Town, with the first of several atmospheric sets, which were created with flats, furniture, dressing, film and graphics, along with some front of tabs scenes, along with efficient scene changes took us smoothly to each location.  In Pantomime the sets need to be colourful and like in a book of fairy stories, but at the same time a believable place, and this was achieved.  The set of the Sheriff’s bedroom was extremely good with a cleverly designed bed for this small stage.  The film of the Sheriff’s ‘dream’ was very good, particularly in the second half when the actors were actually there on stage.  The wardrobe team had sourced a set of lovely, colourful costumes, which fitted the Pantomime well.  The dance numbers were cast performed by the younger members, with choreography, which suited them, and which they obviously enjoyed.

This company like many others uses the pantomime as a training ground for their young people, and this one had been cast with a good mixture of younger and older performers.  The younger cast members took on the roles of Robin Hood, Maid Marion, Much, the Miller’s son and the Merry Men.   Everyone embraced their roles with confidence, the young lady who played Much the Miller’s son had plenty of confidence and made sure the audience responded.  Craig Hunt as the larger than life Dame, kept everyone energised.  Laurence Wood looked as though he was enjoying playing the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.  Shirley Wood and Stacey Beck as comedy duo, Nick It and Scarper, worked well together and ad excellent timing.  Julie Ryan and Kate Atkinson as Soothsayer and The Enchantress of the Forest balanced out the good and evil.  Everyone else performed well.

The singing was good, but as is often the case with taped music there was hesitancy in coming in.  Nottingham’s Got Talent used the skills of the performers to advantage.

It was the first time that co-directors Rachael Merrett and Matthew Firth had directed a pantomime and it was obvious the amount of hard work they had put into it to make this pantomime a success.  They had interpreted the script well, had some lovely ideas and had been well supported by the cast and technical teams.  Well done everyone for giving your audience a most entertaining evening.

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