Robin Hood

Laugh?  You Sher Wood

Robin Hood

by Jack Counsel

Yvonne Arnaud Productions, at the Yvonne Arnold Theatre, Guildford until 5^th January

Review by Heather Moulson

With an opening scene in Sherwood Forest akin to the Pet Shop Boys production at the Royal Opera House, there is as much smoke and mystery and dazzling lighting as you would expect from a big panto.  A polished prologue leads the way into this vibrant production of Robin Hood, directed by Joanna Read who does full justice to its witty script.

A weekday matinée brings many school parties of various ages to the packed throng, and for the rest of the audience members of a certain generation brings on that usual resentment, Why didn’t we have school trips like that?!    I have to say, the youngsters are a lot better behaved than the adult audience for Scummy Mummies. 

It is hard to know where to start in this very varied and colourful pantomime. The title role of Robin Hood is played by Ricky Oakley, who has great a singing voice, and whose charisma just spills over.  The highly engaging Safia Bartley’s fiery Marion complements Robin perfectly and is a good foil for the Sheriff of Nottingham.

The Sheriff is played by Lucy Benjamin, and it is refreshing not to see a moustache-twirling male take this role and Benjamin works hard to make being witty, monumental, delusional, and villainous seem easy.  Taking the name of Karen, a well-known term in the USA for a stroppy and entitled woman, one feels the significance doesn’t really stick in Guildford.  However Benjamin has enough humour to carry this off, before meeting a highly unusual and sticky end. 

The deceptively hapless Much is slickly played by Matt Pinches, and is a perfect foil to Peter Gordon’s Nanny Fanny Annie in colourful drag.  A messily intensive bakery scene shows their strong rapport, with Much taking the falls with boundless energy.

Welcome disco interventions and skilled and detailed choreography by Verity Holt are fun, and the dancing generally was conscientious.  More than a nod must go to the costumes, particularly the colourful boots, which were beautifully designed by Nancy Surman.  The entire cast are intricately dressed, not forgetting the outstanding gold lamé in the curtain call.  The 3D set in predominate pink, and lighting designed by John Harris bring the stage flats to life.  The backdrop of Nottingham, the kitchen and the woods stand out.  Sherwood Forest is sinister and mysterious, enhanced by Josh Robins sound. 

The Merry Men have great fun and include a strong Jacob Kohli as Lil Jon and Tuck as a hopeless cook.  The diligent ensemble provide strong support, and vibrant songs arranged by Paul Herbert are by played by musical director Andrew Linham and his band, with great gusto.

If you go down to the Surrey woods today, you’re in for a big surprise, but make sure it’s Guildford’s Sherwood Forest.

Heather Moulson, December 2024

Photography by Craig Fuller