The History Of Lilleshall Pantomine
Robin Hood - 2005
After the fun of last year's Show, Celia Fox decided to 'have a go' at writing another new script and had the idea of writing a version of Robin Hood. Any mention of Robin Hood in other amateur or professional pantomimes had been as an extra character in a more traditional 'Babes in the Wood' story.
Lilleshall Pantomime had a reputation for innovation, so Celia decided to start from scratch, as it were, and write a Pantomime based on the legend of Robin Hood, with Maid Marion, Little John, Friar Tuck and all the Merry Men.....with a little passing homage to Kevin Costner! It seemed the right time to take on a script like this when there were so many talented adult men within the group, just ready to fill all the character roles needed to make this work. It would have been a shame to miss this chance of writing strong roles for everyone as it had been a long time since we had such a wealth of talented adults to choose from as well as an enthusiastic group of younger members and an ever growing children's group. It was a priviledged position to be in, being able to write for such a cast and Celia revelled in it!
Jon Vince played Robin Hood as a rather laid back hero, developing a cheeky but flirtacious relationship with the lovely Maid Marion, played by Tina Richards, who had returned to the Group after many years, after university and becoming a teacher. This relationship between the two characters led to some amusing moments as the story unfolded. Robin was helped in his quest to right wrongs done by the Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Robert Watson Jones with his side kick, Guy of Guisborne, played by Kacey Preen, by the companionship and loyalty of his Merry Men!
This band of friends was led by Will Scarlett, played with great fun and cheekiness by Chris Wales. A lot of the slapstick fun, at the Sheriff's expense was instigated by Will Scarlett! Also part of this comedy team was Bill Workman (who also wrote additional skits and jokes) as Friar Tuck, Godfrey Spurr as Little John (displaying a great Somerset accent...well Little John wasn't from these parts, was he?) and the gang was made up with Andrew and Daryl Shaw, (Daryl looking not unlike a young Johnny Depp, from Pirates of the Carribean! It was noted that Daryl was seen down a local Hostelry, some time after the Show, still sporting a rather exotic feather and bead earring!) Andrew played the more gentler of the Merry men, a little voice of reason among the mayhem often caused by the others.
This was a fun Pantomime to be part of. Rehearsals were enjoyable and often comical. It was wonderful for all concerned to see the commitment to the Group. Chris Wales was working away from the area but would frequently drive a hundred mile round trip to be available for rehearsals.....now there is dedication for you! Evelyn Wales produced the Show again, working tirelessly, making sure everything was organised and ready for opening night as well as designing and creating props and the Show was directed by Celia Fox.