While panto season may be behind us, the Southend Theatre Scene offered the perfect excuse to jump back into the action with a brand-new production of Robin Hood at the Palace Theatre in Southend.
Whilst I am more than familiar with the story of Robin Hood through its various adaptations on screen, I had never experienced it as a stage production. So, I was keen to see how KD Theatre Production Ltd, in association with Harlow Playhouse, would bring the story to life as a panto. Thankfully, I can say they did not disappoint.
The show jumps straight into the action with a vibrant, high-energy musical number that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come. We are introduced to Robin, already working alongside his more inclusive Merry Folk, who proudly declare that they steal only what the rich can afford and selflessly give it back to the poor. However, their good deeds come at a cost, as their primary target is none other than the Sheriff of Rottingham himself. As Maid Marian proclaims, he will stop at nothing to track them down. What Marian doesn’t yet realise, though, is that there is far more to this situation than she currently understands.
The production is filled with a multifaceted cast, and as Little Joan would agree, there are no small roles in the play. With many of the cast taking on multiple roles and costumes throughout the show, you can only wonder how big the dressing rooms may be.
Joe Churms does a great job leading the cast as the courageous Robin Hood. Whilst his performance does at times get overshadowed by some of the more boisterous characters whose personalities naturally dominate the stage, his more composed performance allows the comedy of others to truly shine. Joe still makes the most of his moments, however, and a more emotional song towards the end of the first act gives him the opportunity to have his own moment.
Stood down and slightly to the side of Robin Hood is his trusty sidekick, Little Joan, played with infectious enthusiasm by Lacey Creed. Lacey brought a huge amount of energy to her performance, with excellent physical comedy timing. One of the standout moments for me was the song ‘If I Was Not a Merry Folk’ in which the characters reveal what may have happened if they had chosen a different profession. Whilst all the cast were amazing to watch with their varying actions, Lacey kept drawing my attention throughout the scene, due to her enthusiastic and expressive comic presence. The scene played out in organised chaos, but it was clear the cast were having as much fun performing it as the audience was watching.
Whilst often seen as a supporting character in the films, Maid Marion is one of the more rounded characters in the play and was performed brilliantly by Katherine Hickmott. Described by an audience member as a princess, she does fit the modern Disney interpretation. With some amazing dresses befitting a princess, she is still able to fight and manoeuvre quickly in heels, and has a brilliant voice to match. I did at one point during a solo, think she would be well suited to a role such as the lead Jenna Hunterson in the musical Waitress.
As with all pantomimes, there is, of course, a Panto Dame — and Rob Stevens fully embraced the colourful (both in personality and costume) Auntie Dolly Scarlett. Dominating the stage and full of personality, she formed an instant connection with the audience. Unbeknownst to me, I would get to know Auntie Dolly a bit more personally than I was anticipating when I was unexpectedly dragged on stage as part of a musical number.
Despite my initial reservations about going up on stage, mainly due to the fear of not knowing what was going to happen next, it was a fun experience; even though I spent most of it standing there awkwardly and being renamed John to coincide with the planned musical number. In addition to Rob’s exuberant performance, I was impressed not only by the sheer number of costume changes but also by the speed with which they were executed. The array of wigs and dresses was impressive for just one performer, especially when considering the size of the already packed production.
Ben Parsley plays well to the younger crowd as Silly Willy Scarlett, portraying a more streetwise version of a CBeebies presenter in a version which may be edited out for daytime TV. Whilst there is a lot of physical humour for the kids, there is a good mixture of adult humour in the dialogue, which would go straight over the kids and Little Joan’s head. Ben certainly got the kids in the audience behind him and knew how to get the audience involved.
A panto, some may say, is only as good as the villain, and Terry Burns embraces the role of the villainous Sheriff of Rottingham, although it’s hard not to see a resemblance to Lord Farquaad from Shrek (2001). Adding adult humour to the show, I did like how we are introduced to the character singing a revised version of Sweet Transvestite from another play, The Rocky Horror Show, this time, however, changing the lyrics to his story as the Sheriff of Rottingham.
The final principal cast member is Fanny Galore, who plays the dual roles of Spirit of Sherwood and King Richard. Two very different characters, which, as you might expect, are both played with an abundance of glamour. Fanny makes a bold and memorable entrance as the Spirit of Sherwood in a glittering green gown, launching into song. It was clear instantly from the reactions in the audience that there were groups specifically here to see her perform.
In addition to a great vocal performance, Fanny also had a razor-sharp humour, which again gave a different comical edge to the already versatile show.
Brandon Thompson and Federico Bianchetti complete the cast as members of the ensemble, once again taking on multiple roles throughout the production. Delivering dynamic performances supported by strong, well-executed choreography, the pair were consistently in sync and brought a real sense of energy to the show.
Robin Hood is the latest annual Easter show from KD Theatre Production Ltd, who prove that panto is not just for Christmas. The talented cast work brilliantly together, and you can see how much fun they are having, even more so when they go off script and have to ab-lib. It is great family entertainment and has something for everyone. I am glad I got to attend and can’t wait to see what they do next. So, to the cast and crew – Huzzah!
It’s always Panto season somewhere
Event Title: Palace Theatre in Southend
Event Description: The Southend Theatre Scene offered the perfect excuse to jump back into the action with a brand-new production of Robin Hood at the Palace Theatre in Southend.
Location name: Palace Theatre in Southend
Address: 430 London Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9LA
Summary
Robin Hood is the latest annual Easter show from KD Theatre Production Ltd, who prove that panto is not just for Christmas.
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!