1st December 2018
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Nottingham Playhouse. It’s panto season and this year, Robin Hood is treading the boards to save the Babes in the Wood from the Sheriff of Nottingham.
To be honest, you can’t really go wrong with a Kenneth Alan Taylor festive offering – he’s been writing and directing the Playhouse Panto for so many years, he’s got it down to a fine art and this year is no exception.
Tim Frater returns as Robin Hood to do battle with the deliciously evil Sheriff of Nottingham, expertly played by Robin Kingsland. Expect songs, jokes about local landmarks and lots of men in tights and you’re pretty much guaranteed a great festive night out.
Of course, the Playhouse panto wouldn’t be the same without the delightful John Elkington as Nurse Nelly Noggins and his wardrobe of outlandish costumes. His ability to deal with whatever random shizzle is thrown at him is a pleasure to watch and you’re never quite sure what adlibs he’s going to try to trip the rest of cast up with. With his ability to immediately connect with the audience and a blooming fabulous singing voice, it’s no wonder he’s a firm favourite with the audience.
An excellent cast is backed up once again by Rebecca Little, playing the part of Tilly the Tomboy with her usual gusto and Darren Southworth as Arnold (from Clifton). Darren has the absolute perfect face (and legs) for panto and he’s wonderful as the rather witless sidekick to the Sheriff.
Can Robin Hood save the day and make the Sheriff see the error of his ways? We can’t possibly say. However, we can say that this year’s Playhouse panto is another triumph. Watch out for the compilation of Queen songs by Nelly Noggins and the Sheriff and the rather brilliant slow-motion scene around the bedchamber!
Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood can be seen at Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 19th January 2019. Book here.