Robin Hood and Maid Marian- The Corn Exchange Newbury.

Reviewing Robin Hood and Maid Marian at the adults-only performance means that I have seen a slightly different version from the cleaner family version. There will be other adult-only performances during the run (dates shown below) and if you can catch one you’re in for an entertaining evening.

Jenny Perry in the role of Fairy Ferne-A-Dale opens the Pantomime in a stunning fairytale style dress complete with sparkling wings. However, unless you believe in Fairies you can’t see her so make sure you believe before you go.

Pantomime land can add anything they like to the storyline and this version of Robin Hood uses the start of the storyline from the 1991 film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner. Robin is abroad and things are going wrong while he is away.

Harry Sweetman makes his debut professional performance in the role of Robin Hood and starts his journey abroad while the unchallenged Sheriff of Newburyshire (Alex Crandon) starts to impose his unreasonable and extortionate taxes on the poorest people.

I don’t think this will be the last time that Sweetman has a leading role on stage. He has a strong and confident presence and when things slightly went off script he took it all in his stride.

Nursemaid Nellie played by Graham Mackay-Bruce is coming to the end of her role looking after Maid Marion (Samara Rawlins) and is worried about the impact that the Sheriff of Newburyshire is having on the town.

When I saw Grace Kelly Miller’s name in the programme I knew she would deliver a great performance as Willamina Scarlett. In the first act, her character doesn’t have a huge input into the storyline. However, in Act Two Scarlett has a bigger role and Miller comes into her own.

Costume Designer Carl Davies has created a colourful and detailed costume collection. I especially liked the detailed images of the house outfit worn by Nursemaid Nellie and the stunning black and gold suit worn by the Sheriff of Newburyshire which oozed wealth and the darker meaner side of the Sheriff’s personality.

Newburyshire Pantomime guests this year have a festive treat in store and deserve to perform to sell-out auditoriums.