Shepton Playhouse's Robin Hood

The Shepton Playhouse presents Robin Hood

The Somerset Fellowship of Drama is delighted to announce yet another new group to its competition. Formed in Shepton Beauchamp only two years ago welcome to The Shepton Playhouse. Robin Hood was the choice for their second pantomime.

I have to say it really does take a lot to make me laugh at pantomimes these days. I guess I have been doing the job far too long and have heard all those ‘one liners’ dozens and dozens of times before.

How refreshing to have a new original script writer, Bryony Black, on hand. This was without doubt one of the funniest scripts I have heard in a long time and guess what - I was giggling all evening!

Directed by Bryony’s father, Julian, The Shepton Playhouse is all about community spirit. All the cast live in this beautiful village and half of them had never been on stage before.

It was evident all your cast were enjoying themselves treading the boards and not one prompt was required.

Those delectable twins Big Joan and Little Joan held this show together with plenty of banter and ad libs but all cast members also had an air of comedy about them making this a comical pantomime.

There were some great musical numbers in the show that your audience sang along with. I especially loved ‘This is the song that goes like this’.

I found your village scene most appealing and all scene changes were silently undertaken (well done Black gang). Sound was extremely well managed and we could hear every word.

To maintain that ‘panto’ element it is always best to include an ‘It’s behind you scene’. A ghost, skeleton or some old grizzly bear from the village would work wonders and your audience would love it! Maybe a ‘big’ entrance for the Dame next year would work a treat considering you used the fourth wall on many occasions. 

As with all new societies you have to start somewhere and I believe this group with grow year after year. Your local audience loved you and need you.

The banter and heckling from audience members did not distract anyone on stage and proved everyone was having a most fun packed night, as was I.

Thank you for inviting me along and I wish you continued success for future productions.

Nigel Ford

Moderator