BABES IN THE WOOD
by
John Crocker
Performed at The Players Theatre,
Between
9th and 18th December
Panto
full of fun frolics and farce
For
traditional festive family fun look no further than this year’s Thame
Player’s Pantomime, Babes in the Wood.
Taking
the best from two favourite stories with the occasional Thame twist, the
colourful cast take you on a roller coaster of a tale in which Robin Hood (Julie
Egleton) and his band of friendly visitors must save two children from the
clutches of the evil Baron.
The cunning Baron, outstandingly portrayed by Steve Lambell, is reassuringly nasty, and with his lovable sidekick Muddles (Darren Topping) keeps the laughs coming, as do have-a-go villains Herbert and Fred (John Townsend and Andrew Clamp.)
The
babes, Susie and Sammy, played by Olivia Sharrard and David Boyle, are both
cheeky and sweet, whilst kind hearted Polly Flinders (Katie Ell) the village
blacksmith who doesn’t know her own strength, is cheery and engaging
throughout.
Of
course, a panto wouldn’t be a panto without a dame and Nursie (Tony Long) with
her outlandish costumes, bend-over slapstick comedy, and constant shadow Wuffles
the Dog (Mike Rochford) does not disappoint.
A
variety of songs ranging from Disney classics, rock and roll, songs from the
shows and – without giving too much away – a fun variation of a recent UK
number one, are sure to set toes tapping.
So with music, fun, frolics and farce the Players’ latest offering truly has something for everyone! Oh yes it does!
Sophia Jay
Thame Gazette