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ROBIN hood and the Babes in the Wood, is the Attic Theatre's 36th
consecutive panto at Aberdeens Arts Centre and there is a strong
possibility I have seen all of them.
It opened last
night to the usual excited family audience and a heavy presence of
cubs, beavers and brownies, all of whom seemed transported by this
slick and lively production.
There is a
clear chemistry onstage, or at least there was between last
night's cast which, of course, alternates throughout the run and
the colourful characters are well drawn and make a happy gang
for the youngsters in the audience to join and become part of
their adventure.
This connection
is vital and sometimes missing in a panto but, as the young cast
gained confidence last night, you could feel the audience
falling under their spell.
This good
looking, happy production is directed by Pete Thomson with
musical direction by Gillian Pucci.
The show is
packed with the usual blend of audience participation and
slapstick humour and the plot even boasts a familiar topical
twist.
The Sheriff of
Nottingham plans to cut down Sherwood Forest and build an
International Golf Course & Holiday Resort.
In this version
of events Thomas Forbes' enterprising evil sheriff is thwarted
by Jill Shearer's cavalier Robin Hood, Fiona Souter's charming
Maid Marion, David Hepburn's daft Will Scarlet and Kenneth
Carle's outstanding Dame.
The two Babes of
the title were a strong audience favourite.
Brilliantly
played by Rhona Nicol and Natasha Kilpatrick they got a laugh and
a reaction with every appearance.
The chorus and
dancers are also exceptional and well rehearsed, helping make this
a memorable and highly entertaining, polished panto.
Robin Hood and
the Babes in the Wood runs at the Aberdeen Arts Centre until
Saturday, December 20, and is essential festive family
entertainment.
Roddy Philips
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