Basking in the success of last year’s panto, which was tragically cut short due to Covid restrictions, Greenwich Theatre stages a triumphant return to pantomime with Robin Hood, written by Anthony Spargo, who also stars as the Sherriff of Nottingham, and directed by Matt Aston.
This is one of the less-often staged pantos, but watching this Greenwich Theatre production we’re left wondering why; it’s a cracking home-grown story that lends itself beautifully to the traditions of panto. In Spargo’s version, the Sherriff is hiking up taxes left, right and centre, taking every penny he can get from the peasants. Robin Hood, meanwhile, steals it all back and returns it to the poor.
Friar Tuck (Martin Johnson) – he’s left the monastery and now runs a tuck shop – is reunited with his old flame Little Joan (Phil Sealey), who’s travelling with her ward, Maid Marian (Amy Bastani), but can the group band together and defeat the Sheriff and his dastardly guard dog, Mutley (Louise Gielecki)?
A talented band of three, knock out a procession of pop-tunes that the audience are itching to sing along to; from Toploader to Shania Twain, and a delightfully unexpected rendition of Mr. Cellophane, there’s a song for everyone, and every occasion.
Though you might not expect it, with a long list of dud jokes that sound like they just fell out a Christmas cracker, Robin Hood is riotously funny, and quite saucy too. This is mostly down to the delivery, and the fact that no-one is taking themselves (or even the script) too seriously. Yes, it’s a little bit clunky at times, but that’s soon forgotten as we have a chance to experience all the panto traditions, including the beloved sing-along.
Phil Sealey as Little Joan makes for a marvellous pantomime Dame, striking the perfect balance between bawdy and brash. The entire cast do a great job, and Louise Gielecki as Mutley brings a wonderful physicality to the character. In the title role, David Breeds dazzles the audience with boundless enthusiasm and a superb vocal performance.
The audience found it a little difficult to call out the traditional boos for the Sherriff of Nottingham, perhaps because they were enjoying Spargo’s spirited performance so much. Spargo brings a touch of old-fashioned comedy to his villainous role; it’s reminiscent of the comedy greats like Frankie Howerd or Kenneth Williams and the audience were lapping it up.
Fantastically funny, and a good example of how panto should be done, Robin Hood continues the tradition of top-quality panto at Greenwich Theatre.
Robin Hood is at Greenwich Theatre until 8th January 2023.
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