REVIEW: Robin Hood & Babes in the Wood – Runway Theatre Company

 

Source: Bob McDevitt Photography

 

CAST

Robin Hood – Antony Carter

Maid Marian – Joanne Mcminn

Jack – Ian McLean

Jill – Megan Pattie

Nurse Bedpan – Will Pollock

Fairy Bluebell – Holly Steel

Sheriff of Nottingham – Iain G Condie

Child Catcher – Susan McMahon

Teanie – Marianne Gunn

Beanie – Graeme Mackay

Ringmaster – Lewis Kerr

Town Crier – Neal Maccowan

Sam – Peter McKenna-Boyd

Dopey Dan – Jim Murray

Sadie – Catherine Ross

Swot – Natalie Cavoura

Stranger – Neal Maccowan

Director – Robert Fyfe

Musical Director – David Dunlop

Choreographer – Eleanor Weir

Source: Bob McDevitt Photography

Since the tender age of 2 I have been entertained by Runway Theatre Company‘s pantomimes, and the 2016 production of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood was no exception.

As ever, we were entertained by an excellent cast, hilarious jokes, and a show full of upbeat musical numbers. Runway Theatre Company once again impressed audiences at Eastwood Park Theatre. Antony Carter was cast as the hero Robin Hood, which allowed him to display his talented vocals alongside the feisty Maid Marian played by Joanne McMinn, who continues to go from strength to strength each year.

Ian McLean and Megan Pattie made a great duo as the babes, providing many laughs as did Teanie (Marianne Gunn) and Beanie (Graeme McKay) who both had a brilliant rapport on stage. Once again Will Pollock played the role of the dame, producing some brilliant one liners. Holly Steel played the part of Fairy Bluebell. This part allowed her to show her excellent dance abilities in particular. Iain Condie returned to the role of the villain as the menacing Sheriff of Nottingham who always had a sarcastic quip and was ably assisted by the other “baddie” – The Child Catcher wickedly played by Susan McMahon.

Source: Bob McDevitt Photography

There was never a dull moment in this show, especially when the whole cast are on stage together as the entire ensemble and dancers are so energetic and full of talent that the audience gets the sense of fun and joy that you should always have when watching a pantomime. One of the main things about panto is the audience participation. This is something that Runway Theatre Company have utilised expertly in the past and this production was no different as they managed to get everyone in the audience aged 8 to 80 involved.

Source: Bob McDevitt Photography