Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood
Another cracking success from Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society! With new producer Matt Smith, Robin Hood and The Babes in the Wood, lifted the winter blues. With support from actors experienced and new, the mix of traditional pantomime and new songs and gags entertained from start to curtain.
The story was straightforward. The wicked Sheriff and his wife Lucretia want to kill their wards, the Babes in the Wood, to inherit treasure. Robin and his merry men, with the help of Maid Marion, Primrose and her faithful Dobbin, Benny and the Babe’s Nursemaid, Ophelia Goodbody, thwart the Sheriff and his henchmen and win the day. Good and Bad Fairies take sides.
In the role of Robin was new face Rowan Whittington. She gave a delightful presentation of Robin Hood complete with the thigh slapping expected from the Principal Boy. She sang well and both moved and spoke with great confidence.
The part of
The not so loveable Babes were played by Aidan Whittington and Megan Davies as Wayne and Colleen. This celebrity couple gave a storming performance as horrid Babes becoming nice, if still naughty. Megan's smile, when it finally appeared, lit up the stage. Aidan seemed to change from bad Babe to responsible brother before our eyes. A stage natural with an easy charm.
Debbie Forsyth played against her usual fragrant role as Primrose, Dobbin's faithful owner, a simple West Country lass. Peter Buller as the hapless Benny, gave a confident performance with masterful ad-libbing and interaction with the audience. Debbie was always his equal and they made an entertaining team.
Nevin Ward as the Babes' Nursemaid gave us some startling insights into his wardrobe. An accomplished, skilful performance with great ad-libbing and rapport with the audience.
Capacity audiences might have been startled to see their former Mayor, Richard Beecroft taking to a life of crime as a splendid Sheriff. He and his evil henchman gave plenty to hiss at. Playhouse regular Christine Ward as the Sheriff's evil wife Lucretia revelled in her role.
Colin Mannion played a particularly energetic and squirmy 'Tony' to Iain Johnson’s splendid baddie, 'Gordon'.
The Pantomime Horse was one of the hits of the show. Zoe Buller was at the talking end and another newcomer, Lisa Staniforth gave great support, literally, at the other end.
Panto favourites Jo Jefferson and Rachel Smith as Fairy Starlight and Fairy Darknight looked spectacular, sang well and involved the audience in their battles beautifully. Both fairies spoke writer Alan Green's rhyme with clarity.
The lively chorus of talented youngsters from Future Stars gave real oomph to the music. The children played with commitment and charm.
Colourful costumes, good lighting, on-stage smoke effects, music tracks and sound explosions, good sets and backstage team, all combined with a really enthusiastic cast, clearly enjoying themselves, gave the audience a memorable night out.
Pantomime is the most artificial of theatre forms. Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society managed to make it full of the most natural charm.
Ros Wade
[This review appeared in the Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald 22.2.2008]
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"Cracking Panto!"
"We had a fantastic afternoon"
"My son and his wife said it was the best Panto they'd ever seen - we agreed!
"A great night out!"
"The best Pateley Panto ever!"
"Great set and costumes!
"Our three-year old sat at the top of the stairs and refused to move: she wanted to see it all over again!"
"Loads of Laughs!"
"Our kids had just been to see [a large town professional pantomime] and they enjoyed the Pateley panto far more - they couldn't stop talking about it the following day!"