Review by Marilyn Barber

If you can sit in the audience at a panto with a smile on your face throughout then it can only be described as a triumph for all involved.

A truly village production this original script, written by Alice Weller, had lots of innovative touches.

All the cast gave well-rounded performances, but persuading Jemma Cable to be Silly Billy was inspirational. She has always shone on the am-dram stage, but this was the first time I’d seen her in panto and we can only hope this isn’t the last time. A stage dominating performance!

Well what can you say about KD Johnson as the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham? A larger than life character, he certainly got plenty of boos and more than a few smiles.

Mike Andrews as his sidekick Guy added to the mirth as did John Bounds who provided a convincing and likeable Dame Flatbread.

Robin Hood (Charlotte Prosser), Maid Marian (Lisa Willis) and Fairy Twinkle (Caitlin Beaumont) were able to show their clear singing voices, with the excellent backing of musicians John Dickins and Steve Pattle.

Sally Atkins, Keith Jobes, Ann Mason, Bill Mason and Pam Mizon provided excellent back up as both villagers and Merry Men, with Peter Doolan as King Richard and dancers Emily Newland and Imogen Sims completing the cast.

The costumes – particularly that of the dame – together with the scenery all added to the magic of a thoroughly good couple of hours of entertainment.

My friend, who hadn’t been to a panto for years and hadn’t been sure what to expect, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was such a laugh.”

And clearly the audience felt the same way.

Proceeds this year went to the Going for Bust charity.