REVIEW: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at The Roses Theatre
Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is now in full swing at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury and we went along to experience the festive antics.
I have to confess that this was my first trip to The Roses and therefore wasn’t able to appreciate the re-furbishment that the theatre has been through during the past 18 months. Needless to say it looked great and the staff are very pleased with all the changes.
The auditorium was buzzing as we found our seats. Everyone has a great view of the stage, small and large.
Robin Hood (Matt Beveridge) is the familiar tale of the privileged Robin who forsakes his title to lead an outlaw’s life in Sherwood Forest, redistributing wealth by robbing the rich to give to the poor. Love interest comes in the form of Maid Marion (Rachael Henley) who is betrothed (unwillingly) to the local Sheriff. The Sheriff also has unsavoury ideas of disposing of his young niece and nephew (the Babes) who have been orphaned, but unfortunately for them who are also very rich.
The dashing Robin hood, jolly Friar Tuck and feisty Little Joan lead a seemingly idyllic life as outlaws. Supported by colourful sets and costumes and a troupe of dancers, this is a life filled with singing, dancing and laughter only to be disrupted by the need to rescue Marian and the Babes, and put an end to the tax collecting antics of the evil Sheriff. The Sheriff, superbly played by Jeffrey Harmer and his sidekick Dennis play the baddies and insist that this is a ‘Baddies Panto”. We did love the dame Winnie Widebottom played by JJ Henry – an absolute hoot! Winnie is the Nanny of Maid Marion, who also works as a rather inept schoolmistress, creating some hilarious scenes – especially when the Sheriff and Denis join the class. A couple of puppet rabbits (obviously working for the sponsors) also provide some laughs and add another cute element to the show. The first half sets the panto up for a riotous second half when there is much audience participation. Please expect a lot of shouting and laughing – the Brownie group next to us were extremely animated!
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a family trip to the panto and this is a thoroughly enjoyable family event. Performances can be seen in the morning, afternoon and evenings, with some already completely sold out.
Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury runs until Saturday 7 January 2017.
Explore Gloucestershire
7 December 2016
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