Robin the Hood

I have just got home from a highly enjoyable evening out :) It's been a while since I've had a night at the theatre full of so much rollicking good fun. I have of course just got home from seeing Kwinana Theatre Workshop's production of Robin the Hood. Basically, the story is pretty much the same old Robin Hood tale, where the arrogant Prince John and the dastardly Sherriff of Nottingham imprison the Fair Maid Marion in the hopes of luring the dashing Robin Hood to save her. But this script gives the tale a whole new life. Filled with all your favourite characters (and a few new classics) and a whole bag of 'bad' jokes, this script tells Robin's story in a completely new way ;) KTW have put together a really entertaining show - despite the odd power failure here and there ;) The intimate venue is just right to take a trip to Sherwood Forrest and meet Robin and the Merry men - in their tights (tight tights!). The striking set created by the team at KTW is a great backdrop to the highly colourful performance about to ensue. The cast approach the somewhat crassly written characters and dialogue with gusto. (I didn't manage to get a program (bugger - I hate that!) so I will need to talk about the characters, rather than the actors - sorry.) Ben the town crier established a quick rapport with the audience and, helped by our young Robin Hood and Maid Marion, coached us into the fun of audience interaction. Maid Marion's dulcet tones sizzled as she sang 'Fever' and Robin's energetic and boisterous manner wooed the crowd. Prince John was suitably menacing (look at the size of THAT SWORD!) and the Sheriff of SNOTingham gave a bumbly fun life to his performance. A strong supporting cast backed up the leads with confident, energetic performances. Special mention to the three girls who sang 'Colours of the Wind' - just beautiful, the Sherwood Bowls Club (I lurve that dancing) and one particular Merry Man who managed to draw my attention with his strong sense of presence on stage (I believe his name was Chris). Of course, as with all community shows, this one wasn't perfect. As mentioned earlier, there was a bit of trouble with the lights blacking out, but the cast showed a great understanding of interactive slapstick theatre and ad libbed well to make it all seem like part of the show. The songs were a little quiet at times and I felt that a couple of the numbers could have been a little shorter - although they were utilising what sounded like karaoke tracks and it is hard to cut those tracks neatly. I also would have liked to have heard more choral singing - I love to hear a group of voices all working together. Overall, I had a great, entertaining night out and I would recommend anyone to go and see the show as long as you're not looking for anything too deep ;) This script is all about having a laugh and KTW tell the 'bad' jokes well! Congratulations Darren