Babes In The Wood

GRADS Seasonal Pantomime was presented this year at Roleystone Theatre, giving both groups a Christmas treat.

Nicely written and directed by Stephen Lee, this version of Babes had up-to-the-minute political references, teamed with very old jokes and a great blend of sauciness and sweetness.

Barry Park could have been born to play Dames, and was delightful as Dame Martha Twitchett, sweet funny and gorgeously attired, Dame Martha swept the audience along with her loveliness.

The Babes of the title were beautifully played by Sienna Freeman and Charlie Martin in very genuine performances. Children and animals threatened to steal the show from the excellent veteran performers in this production. In addition to The Babes, Neve Havercroft gave an outstanding performance as Rags, Felix Malcolm was lovely as Little John and the Dame's best friend Woofy the Dog was well played by young George O'Doherty. There were also some talented young performers in the ensemble.

The baddies in Babes In the Wood were dastardly, nasty and weirdly likeable. Sir Jasper Pennypinch was played to perfection in a big performance by Grant Malcolm, Kerri Hilton schemed beautifully as The Lord High Sheriff of Nottingham and bumbling minions Abbot and Gillard were played with excellent team-work by Neale Paterson and Fiona Johnson.

Hero of the piece, Robin Hood, was played with thigh-slapping spunkiness by Mel Kay, nicely paired with a gentle Sarah Courtis as Maid Marian. Lis Hoffman was a sweet but smart-mouthed Fairy Titania and Bill Connellan nicely completed the principal cast as Sir John Trueheart.

A well drilled and enthusiastic chorus brought energy and fun.

Despite jokes about a lack of budget, this production felt fully fleshed with lovely settings designed by Jonathan Beckett and lavish costuming by Merri Ford and Maddy Connelan. Lighting designer Jamie Cook was kept very busy and music (which included original arrangements by Nick Choo) and sound effects were well timed and balanced by Ian O'Doherty.

This nicely polished production was great fun for all and a wonderful taste of true British pantomime. Thank-you to Grads. The audience had a ball.

Kimberley Shaw