Babes in the Wood
Date - 24th November 2015
Society - Vane Tempest Theatre Group
Venue - Fulwell Methodist Church, Fulwell, Sunderland
Type of Production - Pantomime
Director - Keith Armitage
Musical Director - Ben Wardropper
Choreographer - Kathryn Burnett
Report - Author: Peter Oliver
Directed by Keith Armitage this production lived up to all expectations of a traditional pantomime, filled with musical interludes feel good humour and innuendoes there was something for everyone and the audience certainly engaged in the performance that I saw which is a sign of a good pantomime. Special mention must go to the production team the lighting and sound was excellent and made a huge contribution to the production and a special mention to Ben Wardropper as musical Director and Kaithryn Burnett as choreographer you certainly delivered on all levels to ensure a sterling performance was delivered.
The principals were well cast Robin Hood played by Ruth Southwick had excellent stage presence and delivered her musical numbers with confidence as did Laura Geary as Maid Marion who also had strong vocals and worked well with Ruth. Keith Armitage as Nurse Ribena “with no added sugar” played the panto dame he delivered every cliché and innuendo you would expect from the character with gusto, very entertaining. The babes Victoria and Albert were perfectly played by Josie Littlewood and James Doran both perfectly cast, good stage presence and delivered their lines perfectly. The Sherriff of Nottingham played by Paul Henry certainly portrayed his evilness as did Rob Urwin as Prince John, there were some good scenes between Rob and Paul and they certainly had the audience hissing and booing in all the right places. There henchmen or ladies Asbo and Asbeen played by Ashleigh Hallimond and Kathryn Burnett were both well cast they bounced off each other had great timing bringing many laughs from the audience.
The band of merry men were excellent led by Little John played by Lindsey Southwick, Friar Tuck played by Jennifer Henry, Will Scarlett played by Suzy Wake and Alan a Dale played by Julie Ann Marshall great performances from all these actors with some very funny moments. Small roles were well cast with Lyn Swinburn playing Granny Grunt, Nick Thompson as Herald, Liam Wharton as Axeman, Nick Antcliff as King Richard, and pulled in at the last moment Philip Wake as Ponsonby Smythe. A special mention must also go to Carolyn Adgar, Tassia Cole, Rosie Curtis, Katie Collings, Preya Doran Madeleine Doran, Debbie Finkel, Emily Harrison, Toni Harrison, Jenny Henderson, Jayne Littlewood, Jenny Marshall, Gemma Parnaby, Robert Reynolds, Helen Southwick and Katrina Wake for their chorus roles as villagers and Merry Men without you the show would not have been a success excellent vocals and choreographed moves.
The colourful costumes and cloths were splendid and scene changes executed efficiently and as swift as space and facilities permitted, the lighting and sound effects were good and on cue which is always a bonus. Well done to everyone at Vane Tempest Theatre Group for a super evening.
Date - 24th November 2015
Society - Vane Tempest Theatre Group
Venue - Fulwell Methodist Church, Fulwell, Sunderland
Type of Production - Pantomime
Director - Keith Armitage
Musical Director - Ben Wardropper
Choreographer - Kathryn Burnett
Report - Author: Peter Oliver
Directed by Keith Armitage this production lived up to all expectations of a traditional pantomime, filled with musical interludes feel good humour and innuendoes there was something for everyone and the audience certainly engaged in the performance that I saw which is a sign of a good pantomime. Special mention must go to the production team the lighting and sound was excellent and made a huge contribution to the production and a special mention to Ben Wardropper as musical Director and Kaithryn Burnett as choreographer you certainly delivered on all levels to ensure a sterling performance was delivered.
The principals were well cast Robin Hood played by Ruth Southwick had excellent stage presence and delivered her musical numbers with confidence as did Laura Geary as Maid Marion who also had strong vocals and worked well with Ruth. Keith Armitage as Nurse Ribena “with no added sugar” played the panto dame he delivered every cliché and innuendo you would expect from the character with gusto, very entertaining. The babes Victoria and Albert were perfectly played by Josie Littlewood and James Doran both perfectly cast, good stage presence and delivered their lines perfectly. The Sherriff of Nottingham played by Paul Henry certainly portrayed his evilness as did Rob Urwin as Prince John, there were some good scenes between Rob and Paul and they certainly had the audience hissing and booing in all the right places. There henchmen or ladies Asbo and Asbeen played by Ashleigh Hallimond and Kathryn Burnett were both well cast they bounced off each other had great timing bringing many laughs from the audience.
The band of merry men were excellent led by Little John played by Lindsey Southwick, Friar Tuck played by Jennifer Henry, Will Scarlett played by Suzy Wake and Alan a Dale played by Julie Ann Marshall great performances from all these actors with some very funny moments. Small roles were well cast with Lyn Swinburn playing Granny Grunt, Nick Thompson as Herald, Liam Wharton as Axeman, Nick Antcliff as King Richard, and pulled in at the last moment Philip Wake as Ponsonby Smythe. A special mention must also go to Carolyn Adgar, Tassia Cole, Rosie Curtis, Katie Collings, Preya Doran Madeleine Doran, Debbie Finkel, Emily Harrison, Toni Harrison, Jenny Henderson, Jayne Littlewood, Jenny Marshall, Gemma Parnaby, Robert Reynolds, Helen Southwick and Katrina Wake for their chorus roles as villagers and Merry Men without you the show would not have been a success excellent vocals and choreographed moves.
The colourful costumes and cloths were splendid and scene changes executed efficiently and as swift as space and facilities permitted, the lighting and sound effects were good and on cue which is always a bonus. Well done to everyone at Vane Tempest Theatre Group for a super evening.
