Minehead's Robin Hood

Minehead Panto People

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

My never ending journey now takes me to the coast where Minehead Panto People are presenting Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. Although one of the fewer pantomimes performed these days it still includes most of the main characters in keeping with panto tradition and, as its title suggests, will always have a rustic and autumnal feel about it.

Jon Pattison was in the hot seat as director and you were in safe hands with the script written by Alan P. Frayn.

What a tremendous and colourful opening with ‘Good Time’. Lovely choreography and grouping – exactly what we like to see. ‘Hey Brother’ was a memorable moment for me and it was a joy that you included tap dancing, and very well performed if I may say so. Excellent work Tara.

Act one moved along at a steady pace but I felt Act two was where you nailed it. It was vibrant, action packed and hilarious.

Minehead is very fortunate to have many young and up and coming performers. Playing principal roles at such a young age can be a daunting experience. Each one of you, however, demonstrated confidence and the future is certainly bright for MPP.

There were some great comical moments including the talents of ‘Nurse Nellie Nige’! Holding the comedy tradition together in this show demonstrated you are a natural in this role. The boudoir scene was handled with precision and those wigs were to die for! Appearing on stage with your 1950’s hoover and rollers is an entrance I will never forget.

I was unfamiliar with a few musical numbers in your show but the talents of Musical Director James Stringer and his musicians brought the entire production to life.

Although an ‘Audience participation’ song was not included, on this occasion it didn’t matter. ‘If I was not upon this stage’ was hilarious engaging the audience. Excellent comic timing.

Junior, Teen and Adult chorus were exceptional and dance movements extremely pleasing. The ‘slow paced’ choreography for your finale was exceptional and must have taken weeks of rehearsals.

Thank you Minehead Panto People.

Your pantomime was ‘bang on target’ and you are to be congratulated for continuing to entertain your local audiences.

I am certain they savoured every moment, as did I.

Nigel Ford

Moderator