Review of Robin Hood

Birmingham Evening mail Friday 11th January 2008 Robin Hood

The Panto Surely the old Sherwood Forest tale of brave Robin Hood and his merry men can't be a pantomine? Oh yes it can, in the capable hands of this touring West Midlands company. They take classis stories and give them the panto treatment in the belief that their audiences havent't seen anything like it before, and it works reasonably well. They return to the old tradition of a principal boy being female, with LOUISE BLACKBURN in fine form as the hero in Lincol Green, doing battle with the nasty Prince John NICK WHITEHOUSE and the flatulance-plauged Sheriff oF Nottingham LES HOLGATE. There is a lovely performance from MARY DODD, playing Blossom the 72-year old sprite, while BOB FLEMING is very funny in the role of Robin's sidekick, Litte John, and MIKE FLEMING (Will Scarlet) stirs up the audiences participation in a show that includes amusing one-liners and even a few tired jokes, along with enjoyable songs from the musicals. Produced by Richard Irons with Pete Smiths's musical direction, the panto with a difference runs to tomorrow night.

 

Noda Review

Margery Carmichael

“These pantos are always a bit of fun, plenty of jokes, some old some new but always funny when told well. The energy put into this production by the cast is always worth seeing. Some good singing particularly Robin (Louise Blackburn) and Maid Marion (Kate Langford), who blended together very well. Great comedy from Will Scarlet (Mike Fleming) and the dame, Nora (Meirion Buck). A very nasty Prince John (Nick Whitehouse) and Sheriff (Les Holgate) got lots of boos, and a delightful performance from Mary Dodd as Fairy Blossom. In fact it had all the main ingredients for a good night out.”