Review by Ray Tempesta
Production image credits: Richard Batson
Sheringham Little Theatre's annual pantomime opened last night, and much like our bow-and-arrow toting hero, Robin Hood, it hit the target with considerable panache.
Firstly, the script from Nick Earnshaw is just so funny. There's countless clever wordplay and visual gags to keep the more discerning viewers entertained, whilst balancing it out with plenty of fart and poop jokes to make the youngsters laugh.
It's delivered with delightful aplomb by a talented principal cast of six, with the charming, charismatic Charlie Randall heading the Merry Crew as Robin. Charlie is the perfect lead, getting the audience onside immediately with his infectious energy, delivering every joke perfectly, and showcasing some accomplished vocals in the odd musical number too.
It's annoying mentioning technical faults, and normally I wouldn't bother knowing that they'll be rectified for future performances, however, it's worth highlighting that despite her mic failing in the first half, Alice Frances as Maid Marian still managed to rise above it and blow us away with her rendition of Defying Gravity. Her vocals were stunning throughout, and her harmonies with the equally brilliant Emma Riches (playing Jill Scarlet) in Holding Out For a Hero were a particular highlight - although do keep half an eye on the projection screen in that number too!
Completing the principal cast is Nick Earnshaw who does a wonderful job in the baddie role as the Sheriff, Oliver Westlake as the gloriously camp Lil Jane the panto Dame, and Mark Skilton as Friar Tuck whose delivery of often left-field acerbic asides had me in stitches. It's also worth watching out for Friar Tuck's weapon (ooh er!) as it provided, in my opinion, the best joke of the show, but seemed not to get the acclaim I felt it deserved!
In supporting roles were the team of dancers - in this preview performance, I had the pleasure to watch the Blue team in action. The term 'supporting' perhaps doesn't do justice to their involvement though, as the three teen dancers (Skye Jefferson, Lottie Power, and Imogen Atkinson) helped to significantly enhance each musical number, and stealing it somewhat with their tap routine in the second half. The three younger dancers helped to add a bit of cute factor to proceedings, especially when they doubled up as the Sheriff's guards.
Add into the mix a whole load of beach balls, a water pistol, and sweets thrown into the audience, and you know you're guaranteed a great time. It is an absolute pleasure to watch, so if you do get the chance, I'd urge you to go along. It runs until 4 Jan, and tickets are fairly limited, so be quick - visit sheringhamlittletheatre.com
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