Robin Hood - Pantomime

It is somewhat of a recurring theme at the moment, but Robin Hood is another show that had a particularly challenging rehearsal period. In addition to the lockdown in the final part of the rehearsal period, Robin Hood lost both its leading man and its villain just a few weeks out, the leading lady was in intensive care just a week before the production and they lost the permission to perform one of their biggest numbers on the day of the first show. None of this is apparent in this fun, well-presented production. Performed with passion, but with tongues firmly planted in cheeks, this is panto “done right”.

This is a gorgeous looking production, with wonderful sets – including trees that rotate to become castle columns. Excellent costumes, every scene is created with care, with clear colour and textural patterns for each group. Cohesive beautiful design from Marjorie DeCaux. Each scene is thoughtfully but bodly lit by Lachlan Kessey and Bailey Fellows.

Luke Osborne swaggers nicely and is very charming in the title role, belying his shortened rehearsal time. He is supported by a wonderful assortment of Merry Men. Bailey O’Hehir shines as Alan A’Dale, want-to-be minstrel and an audience favourite. Oscar Uetake is a loveable Little John, who dances with strength. Peter Cross is a likeable Friar Tuck. Kody Fellows is lovely and brings high energy to the young squire, while Luke Miller is a strong Will Scarlet and Rob McConnell completes the team nicely as Much. Their performance of “Men in Tights” is a highlight, as are their last-minute replacements for songs that they were unable to perform.

Olivia Fellows is a beautifully sweet Maid Marion, appropriately clad in marian blue – performing with precision despite recent health concerns. She works well with Ryan Perrin, who plays her maidservant Bess Before, the Dame of the piece, in a big, bold and very funny performance.

Chris McRae, the musical director, picked up the role of the villainous Sherriff of Nottingham late in the rehearsal period, but it is difficult to imagine this role ever belonged to anyone else – as he aces this bad guy and clearly relishes the audience’s boos. His evil side-kick, Guy of Gisborne, is very well inhabited by Aaron Lucas in an impressive community theatre debut, and they are well supported by their not-so-loyal young staff-members the Royal Trumpeter and Jester (Keaton Humphreys and Harrison Ricci). Dastardly comic-duo, unlikely Norman henchmen - Norman Smith and Norman Jones - are played with nice timing by Suzy June Wakeling and her “mini-me”, eleven-year-old Chloe van der Beeke.

There is a lovely trio of very Macbethian witches, gorgeously created by Victoria Abbott, Shelly Miller and Belinda Beatty, with Sophie David ethereal as the mystical Lady of Sherwood.

The young prince John is played with great attitude by 12 year old Jackson Lucas, while Steve Maloney makes a solid late-in-show appearance as King Richard. David Bell and Locklen Fallingham bring life to Arthur the Archer and Stephen Shoreshot.

 A village chorus and a dance chorus (who sing as well) bring colour and life, and execute Ebony Uetake’s choreography with energy and grace. While there are familiar and experienced faces in the ensemble, this show also includes four first time performers. 

Lots of fun for old and young, this is a show that doesn’t take itself seriously but still applies the utmost in professionalism. Great family entertainment and a joy to watch.

Kimberley Shaw