Review: 'Fun and creative take' on the legend of Sherwood Forest

There was something of a retro feel to this year’s South Hill Park family pantomime, when we were invited to party like it was 1999, with Robin Hood and his gang, and a magic arrow and a squirrel in need of some anger management.

Writer, Joyce Branagh and director Mark Hooper certainly got this party started and hit the lively and loud Wilde Theatre audience with their best shot, with this original fun and creative take on the legend of Sherwood – or should that be Bracknell – Forest.

Keir Buist brought charm, wit and likability to the role of Robin, as did Rachel Warrick-Clarke as Maid Marian.

Keeping in with the 90s feel, more 20th Century then 11th, the merry mixed gender band of outlandish outlaws included Becca Francis as Ellen-a-Dale, our delightful party host, and Rebecca Ayres as Wilhemina Scarlet, channelling the New Wave look of the day, along with Logan McCall as Quiet John, who was anything but, made up the ever present comedy sidekicks ,with jokes so old that they could have indeed come from the 11th century.

Paul Toulson was an audience favourite as the outrageous Dame Fanny Scarlet, and his appearance as a 90’s Pop Icon in the finale, has to be seen to be believed.

Ably abetted by Connie Burgess as Guy of Gibson – with a touch of Ab Fabs ‘Bubble’ about her, Edward Conroy, as the excellent villain, The Sheriff of Nottingham, jiggled jiggled around the stage lapping up the boos and hisses like an enthusiastic Henry vacuum cleaner with great dance moves.

Along with the talented junior ensemble and backstage creative wizards handling music, design, choreography, sets, costumes, lighting, sound, hair and make-up and other departments, this must see panto about the hero with the arrows certainly hit the bullseye with every shot.

Robin Hood and The Magic Arrow will be showing at South Hill Park until Sunday, January 5.