Dereham Operatic Society - Robin Hood and The Babes in the Wood
 Robin Hood And The Babes In The Wood
Director - Heather Barnard
Assistant Director - Catherine Hartley
Musical Director - Ian Futers
Choreographer - Amy Futers
23rd to 26th February 2011
at Northgate High School, Dereham
Review by T Rymer
"DOS made the most of their ‘temporary/new’ venue which was actually very good and not dissimilar to the public Memorial Hall under refurbishment. Opening night but a confident opening from the lively chorus and a solo performance from Beelzebub – never to be seen again! But we booed him anyway! But the real boos and hisses were directed at Nick Bird (Sheriff) as the archetypal well presented and impeccably observed pantomime baddie, strong in all departments. The Spirit of the Greenwood (Laura Pirret) was equally ‘spirited’ and looked great in her autumnal gossamer garb and worked her magic with great aplomb. Robin Hood (Judith Oulare) played a lively and traditional Principal Boy, complete with thigh slaps and with hands on hips, she commanded the stage, also singing with style as required. Not to be outdone and indeed with equal energy and stature, Will Scarlett (Emma Gall) was a striking in her all red outfit and macho posturing as Robin’s right-hand ‘man’. Friar Tuck (Kevin Reeve) and Little John (Ruth Hannent) proved very able Merry Men and were stoically brave when faced with the incompetent Herman the Henchman (Tony Wilds), who revelled in his demented portrayal of the Sheriff’s useless sidekick, who was clearly bullied at school….. A relatively mild classroom scene where he is blamed and spanked for every misdemeanour by Dame come Teacher, Nurse Norah (Gareth Evans) playing ‘solo’ dame for the first time! (He has been an Ugly Sister) Quite a discovery! Very Stylised almost doll-like makeup, but wearing the frock with pride and comfortable in the traditional cross gender role - not a large part in this pantomime – but none the less he engaged the audience with confidence and style which is essential if we are to respond to him – and we did with great enthusiasm! She was, of course, the nurse to the Babes, Janet (Martha Bailey) and John (Declan Matwij) who were excellent as the alternative plot to this story and obviously had bags of confidence and talent to spare – ones to watch for the future I hope. And, of course, our stylish heroine Maid Marion (Claire Doughty) with fine voice, beguiling and suitably maid-like as she survives the evil machinations of her ‘uncle’ the Sheriff and is dutifully rescued from a fate worse than death by Robin and the Merry Men. Chorus and Dancers worked hard and moved well to the stirring melodies from the excellent duo of MD on keyboard (Ian Futers) and percussionist (Matthew Crittenden) who added much to the proceedings and contributed to the overall ‘happy’ feel to this fine piece of traditional pantomime; combined with colourful costumes and cloths, and smooth scene changes. This society deserves their audiences to follow wherever they perform."
Review by Jim Farr
"Right from the off set, this production moved at a lively yet well drilled pace and represented all that is good about pantomime. The spark and vitality of the show was matched by the colourful costumes, set and good lighting. Underpinned musically by the duo of Ian Futers (Keyboard) and Matthew Crittenden (Percussion) Dereham proved the right ambiance can be created by just two musicians on their mettle. Good use was made of the stage, and as far as one can recall the director observed all the “rules” of panto; having said that, in addition to Robin being played by a female so too were the roles of Little John and Will Scarlett. The quality of singing was as good as any other Dereham production I have seen. The diction of Laura Pirret (Spirit) and her charming performance is to be commended. So too should the performance from Gareth Evans (Dame), a highly commendable effort from one so young and in such a vital role. Claire Doughty looked terrific as Maid Marion and Judith Oulare played the eponymous role of Robin in fine style. The pairing of Nick Bird (Sheriff) and Tony Wilds (Herman) as the evil comic leads was a match made in heaven (or hell?). Individually they were good, collectively they were brilliant. (Best summed up with the delivery of two lines “Oh my sore” “Ah so there you are”). Just one of a plethora of funny one-liners in this Denyer script. The slapstick routine in the school room worked well as did the comic song in the second act. It was also a pleasure to watch a troupe of dancers perform so well in unison and smile at the same time. The choreography throughout, though simple in concept, was well presented by the entire cast. It was such a pity there were not more people in the audience to witness this excellent traditional style family pantomime."
|
May 2012
Diary Dates
13th and 14th June
Dereham Memorial Hall
13th to 20th Oct
Oklahoma!
Dereham Memorial Hall
December 2012
Robinson Crusoe
Dereham Memorial Hall
Spring 2013
Calendar Girls
Dereham Memorial Hall
|
