pantomime noun a theatrical entertainment involving music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy, usually produced around Christmas.

   
06 February 2012
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2001 : Babes In The Wood

The Story

As our story begins, Nurse Moppet is on her way to the castle of the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. She brings with her a letter and Betty and Bobby, the children of the Sheriff's late departed brother, who has requested that the children should be brought up by the Sheriff.

 

Unfortunately, on her way Nurse Moppet loses the children in the forest. Robin discovers them and returns them to the castle where he meets Maid Marion and gives her a medallion as a token of his love.

 

Meanwhile, the Sheriff encounters the Demon Imp who tells him that the letter brought by Nurse Moppet contains important information concerning the Babes and he realises he must dispose of Betty and Bobby. He employs Bert and Fred, two robbers, to help him perform the task.

 

As the Babes settle into the castle they are visited by Fairy Sparkle who unfortunately leaves her ward in their bedroom. They wrap up their precious parcel and carry it wherever they go.

 

The Demon retrieves the letter and Marion, who has read it, realises the Babes are in danger. Simon, Moppet and Marion decide to keep the Babes away from the castle and take them to the forest for a picnic.

 

After much confusion, the Babes having been captured by Fred and Bert, finally escape with the help of the Fairy and spend the night in the forest. The next day they return to the castle where it is discovered that the medallion, which Robin has given to Marion, carries the same design as the crest of the Sheriff's Charter of Rights, thus confirming Robin as the true Sheriff of Nottingham.

 

The Fairy, having had her wand returned to her, ensures that all will end happily.

  

The Programme

Babes In The Wood Programme

  

The Cast

Principals

Robin Hood Bronach Hughes
Maid Marion Joanne Dickinson
Nurse Moppet Simon Crooks
Sherriff Peter Oldfield
Bobby (Blue Team) Ian Best
Betty (Blue Team) Olivia Wheeler
Bobby (Red Team) Alex Clow
Betty (Red Team) Beth Braidwood
Simple Simon Alan Davies
Fairy Sparkle Sally Pym
Demon Imp Denise Shenton
Cuddles Graham Lees
Bert Ron Garvie
Fred Carol Crooks
Dolly Gemma Lawless
Folly Laura Mullin
Golly Sally Crooks
Holly Sarah Whittaker
Crone Mary Hastings

 

Chorus

Rebecca Bodenham Olivia Gibson
Rachel Greenwood Mary Hastings
Jenny Holton Graham Lees
Richard Mullin Katie Rowland
Nina Taylor Jo Ward
Tom Ward Susan Withenshaw

 

Dancers

Mary Carpenter Ruth Carpenter
Holly Carter Kimberley Chew
Amy Clow Nicola Dolan
Lucy Rowe Catriona Shenton
Faye Smith Naomi Taylor
Jessica Wormald Kathryn Wormald
  

The Production Team

Production

Producer Susan Oldfield
Choreographer Carol Price
Musical Director Andrew Lawless
Assistant Musical Director Barbara Maddock
Stage Manager Ian Champion
Lighting Director Matthew Kendrick
Sound Rob Williams

 

Musicians

Piano/Keyboard Andrew Lawless
Organ Barbara Maddock
Drums Tony Whitby
  

NODA Critique

With a bright and colourful opening, this panto got off to a good start, with well designed sets, nice clean costumes and well timed special effects.

 

This was lively family fun, with humour supplied by Simon Crooks as Nurse Moppet and an excellent Simple Simon playbed by Alan Davies who, together with the two robbers Bert and Fred, played by Ron Garvie and Carol Crooks, kept everyone on their toes.

 

The Babes, Bobby & Betty, were played extremely well by Alex Clow and Beth Braidwood, whilst the parts of Robin Hood (Bronach Hughes) and Maid Marion (Joanne Dickinson) were played with panache.

 

The Demon Imp was suitably played by Denise Shenton, but outstanding was Sally Pym as the forgetful Fairy Sparkle and Cuddles played by Graham Lees.

 

This was a good production, with well chosen music and some nice choreography, supported by an excellent combo.

 

NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association

  

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