Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (Stourbridge Pantomime Company)

Transport yourself on a magical journey to Sherwood Forest and that classic tale of good versus evil, the outlaw Robin Hood up against the Sheriff of Nottingham, you'll love it they said and they were absolutely right, in fact 'love' is probably an understatement I'd refer to it as spectacularly engaging entertainment of the highest calibre (special mention has to be given to the dancers, every single one, just phenomenal).

If Robin Hood existed in the modern day it probably would be Tom Robinson, many a famous name has played this part but, few if any actually look and sound like they really were born to play it like he does (perhaps maybe Richard Greene from the 1950s if you can remember that far back but, he didn't sing). As for his nemesis, Adam Chester is despicably detestable (perhaps with just a hint of fragility that will prove to be his undoing) as the Sheriff of Nottingham and that chink in his armour will very likely be his henchman, Herman played with comic abandon by Ricky Hammond, means well but, rarely delivers, probably the biggest employment mistake the Sheriff will ever make but, loved by the audience.

We need some love interest for Robin of course don't we and that comes in the form of Hattie Rudge's exquisite performance as Maid Marian, elegant yet feisty and with a golden voice (if the Sheriff thinks she will fall for him, he is madder than Herman !).

Robin wouldn't be what he is without his Merry Men (by the way if you like the term 'Merry Men' wait until the community song and see if you will ever see it in the same light again !) consisting of the character portrayal of the night by Jonathan Hunt as 'Riverdance Wannabe' Friar Tuck, Harry Nicholas as a bold Will Scarlett and Jon Simpson (in a stage debut I hear and a very creditable one ) as Little John.

Not sure how it has taken me this long into a review to mention David Shaw as Nurse Norah, dame par excellence with a wicked streak and the ability to ad-lib naturally like no other. In her care (and it is debatable if that is a good thing) are the 'Babes in the Wood', Holly Boex (Janet) and Reece Boerm (John) a confident pair of youngsters able to stand-up to even the Sheriff, much to his disgust.

Those of the 'non human' persuasion certainly make a pantomime that special experience and this is no exception, Beth Hemmings as the flying Spirit of the Greenwood (anybody who is prepared to fly on stage deserves a medal in my opinion) and of course Stewy the Pony inhabited by Caz Brasenell and Vicki Simpson.

It's a Smash Hit there are no other words to describe it and that will mean Steve Humpherson (Director), George Stuart (Musical Director) and Amy Roberts (Choreographer and very likely Arlene Phillips in disguise) are well chuffed.

Only four performances to go, so do whatever you need to do to make sure you don't miss this one !

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