Chipperfield Theatre Group gave us a thoroughly entertaining evening with a return to a more traditional pantomime. The children stole the show with highly creditable performances from Jack Marchant and Eilidh Weir, who were the ‘Babes, and Sophie Gross who never stopped smiling throughout.
Hannah Turner played Maid Marion, and it was good to see a teenager being given the opportunity of a lead part. She sang sweetly and confidently, which seemed to be lacking with others.
Jane Bryson and Mark Sindall were excellent as the good and bad robbers and Diane Parry was hilarious as Friar Tuck. New to the theatre group was Paul Dennant, who even though he had no lines to speak managed to turn his small role as a guard into a very funny character. I hope we see more of him in the future, and likewise Lyle Rainey who took his first main role as the Pantomime Dame. His hair rinses and costumes were indescribable and his constant string of corny jokes had us laughing all the way through.
The unsung heroes were obviously all the backstage workers. A lot of effort had been put into the creation of a wonderful set, the costumes and make-up, the props and lighting. The music was excellent which was a tribute to their Musical Director, Barrie Chapman, who tragically died a week prior to the show. This highly enjoyable production was dedicated to him.