• Reviews, Theatre

    Posted on December 5th, 2011

    Written by Charles

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    The Review - by ‘Polly’

    Fun, fizz, sparkle and energy are all words which go some way towards describing the opening night of the Nomads presentation of Babes in the Wood. The director, back stage and cast had clearly worked their socks off in rehearsal because this was a slick and polished performance.

    The opening night audience was very sparse, but we all gave our all to the participation bits and the cast made us work hard in the rendition of the action song. We had hilarious problems with our coordination and I must say the screen was a little difficult to read, but who cares, it was great fun.

    Klaire Atkinson as the fairy/narrator looked pretty and graceful despite the pink fluffy sock slippers. She told the tale with great clarity. Her dippy, feather brained failure to remember which panto she was playing, was delightful.

    Maid Marion (Helen Dixon) and Robin Hood (Melanie Kemp) fulfilled all our expectations of the roles. Robin’s thigh slapping and Marion’s sweet and gentle nature came together in a really effective duet “Why do I Love You?”

    No panto would be complete without a “baddie” and a “Dame”. In this case, the baddie, the Sheriff of Nottingham played by Paul Asher inspired booing and hissing at every entry and we were suitably revolted at the thought that he might get his hands on the lovely Marion. The only fault, if fault there be, was that he a looked rather too good looking for the awful a character he played. A little more make-up perhaps?

    The Dame (Andrew Hamel-Cook) as Nurse Molly, was a delight. Articulation was terrific and “her” Two Ronnies style jokes came across clearly and kept the laughter coming. Pity she was up for marrying the Sheriff, but then she might have become a reforming influence in his life!

    The two Babes, Pip and Penny, played by Alice Baron and Julia Mackay were as at home in their parts as though to the manner born. Their performance of “Hushabye Mountain” was poignant and lovely. It seems the Nomads’ future is safe.

    Robin’s band of merry men was well represented by Colin Barnard (Will Scarlet), Richard Halsey-Watson (Little John), Alana Dale (Elaine Burns) and with David West as Friar Tuck. I could understand why they cut a romantic reputation in the community……. a bit like a Parish Council really!

    Causing all the confusion and creating a sense of comic interlude were Doc and Doris played by off-stage husband and wife, Jeffrey and Rae Ann Wightwick. Doc’s shambling, good-natured stupidity was kept in shape by the quick thinking and scheming Doris. Both characters were delightfully drawn and Doris in particular showed great attention to detail and skilful comic timing.

    Adding to the awfulness of the sheriff were his inept guards, Alan Wiseman and Oliver Forsyth. Alan in particular, seemed to relish the role and created a palpable sense of evil.

    Holding the sections together was the confident, robust and really endearing performance of “Dangerous Dave” by Iain Watson. It was such a relief when he finally became one of the Merry Men since he had gone through a whole series of permutations of his name, from Dimwit Dan to Dozey Dan.

    The chorus is much to be praised for its chameleon like changes of character and costume. Their song “Sherwood Taverna” with Dangerous Dave set the scene and tone of the panto. We knew we were in for a good evening and that was confirmed by such moments as the schoolroom scene. They really did seem like St. Trinian’s pupils.

    The Dancers and Young Chorus gave of their all and the dance where they covered the babes with leaves was especially effective.

    As always, a good show relies on its back stage personnel. The programme demonstrates the importance of such people since the Production Team Credits occupies a whole page. The Director (Jeffrey Wightwick) did a great job of coordinating such a large a team of cast and actors and producing work of this quality.

    It seems unkind to pick out particular production elements for mention, but it would be an unforgivable oversight not to make comment on the costume (Jill Asher). This was tremendous and the quick changes especially of the chorus were breathtaking. The sets (David Martin et al) and backdrops especially were stunning and the fun in the lighting box (Charles Hope) didn’t go unnoticed nor did the sound effects! (Tim Williams) The spot light was impressive too, no shakes…… spot on! But whose was the hand that led it? (Ed’s note: it was Clive Vinall that night)

    The choreography by Christine Harris made a difficult job of finding space on a small stage for lots of people seem like a piece of cake and the dancing always seemed to “belong” which isn’t always the case in pantomime

    It all came together, of course, in the finale which was sparkling both literally and figuratively. The Musical Director, James Marr with Myer Rosen and David May on their multitude of instruments underpinned the whole performance with great gusto and enthusiasm. This was opening night! It can only become even better before the end of the run. What a treat lies in store for those who have yet to see the show.

    You can see photgraphs of the show here

    This entry was posted on Monday, December 5th, 2011 at 12:28 am and is filed under Reviews, Theatre. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
  • 1 Comment

    Take a look at some of the responses we've had to this article.

    1. Geraldine Guthrie
      Jan 14th

      Having seen this panto last night (Friday 13th) I fully agree with all these comments, even that the wicked Sheriff was too good looking, despite the wonderfully evil character Paul Asher created and I ventured to suggest that perhaps a small black pointed beard might make him look more menacing. I would also have liked some link music between scenes as silence is never golden in Pantomime, and the occasional empty stages rather lost the atmosphere. However this is nit picking in an otherwise excellent, well rehearsed, well directed and beautifully dressed pantomime. The quality of singing, especially by the Principals was superb. Well done Nomads!

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