Robin still dashing in the hood
Robin Hood The Pantomime, directed by Susan Wilson, Circa Theatre, reviewed by Rose Burgess (12) and Lynn Freeman (a bit older)
THIS, Roger Hall tells me, is his last panto after making the British theatre tradition a Christmas treat over here. Robin Hood is the best of the bunch, riddled with political and other contemporary references for the grown ups and silliness for the littlies. The singing is gorgeous, notably Robin and Marion (Jamie McCaskill and Kali Kopae), the songs for the most part are catchy, Jenden’s costumes and direction are a hoot, and Gavin Rutherford is a grand Dame.
The only real complaint is the duration (almost two hours running time), making for a very late night for the youngest members of the audience. Trimming the bulky and sometimes tedious first part would make the world of difference, and make it less of a contrast to the fabulously fast and furious second part.
No need to explain the storyline. McCaskill is a dashing and delicious Robin Hood who is clearly having a great time with the role, and Kopae’s kick-ass Marion is great, though we could do with more stage time for her. As mentioned, Rutherford’s outrageous Mrs Hood is just divine, a cross between Ginette Mcdonald and Eddie Izzard. Jeff Kingsford-Brown’s Sheriff Rodney Hyde is suitably nasty, and Jendon’s blue suited Thor is charming. Jane Waddell, John Wraight and Gerald Bryan have the most costume changes in support and do a great job. Plaudits too to Michael Nicholas Williams for his musicianship.
Hall has done us a great service by creating these pantos which are terrific family fare.
THIS, Roger Hall tells me, is his last panto after making the British theatre tradition a Christmas treat over here. Robin Hood is the best of the bunch, riddled with political and other contemporary references for the grown ups and silliness for the littlies. The singing is gorgeous, notably Robin and Marion (Jamie McCaskill and Kali Kopae), the songs for the most part are catchy, Jenden’s costumes and direction are a hoot, and Gavin Rutherford is a grand Dame.
The only real complaint is the duration (almost two hours running time), making for a very late night for the youngest members of the audience. Trimming the bulky and sometimes tedious first part would make the world of difference, and make it less of a contrast to the fabulously fast and furious second part.
No need to explain the storyline. McCaskill is a dashing and delicious Robin Hood who is clearly having a great time with the role, and Kopae’s kick-ass Marion is great, though we could do with more stage time for her. As mentioned, Rutherford’s outrageous Mrs Hood is just divine, a cross between Ginette Mcdonald and Eddie Izzard. Jeff Kingsford-Brown’s Sheriff Rodney Hyde is suitably nasty, and Jendon’s blue suited Thor is charming. Jane Waddell, John Wraight and Gerald Bryan have the most costume changes in support and do a great job. Plaudits too to Michael Nicholas Williams for his musicianship.
Hall has done us a great service by creating these pantos which are terrific family fare.
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