Robin Hood

Pantos have become synonymous with winter and after months of freezing temperatures, travel disruption and the inevitable January Blues, a good old dose of “it’s behind you” and “Oh, no you didn’t” was just what was needed to restore a smile to people’s faces. Yet the cast and crew of Sanderstead Dramatic Club did more than produce smiles; with all the necessary audience interaction one would expect, slapstick humour for the kids and the occasional double-entendre thrown in for the adults, it was virtually impossible to suppress bouts of giggles.

John Shepherd did a fantastic job as the hilarious Annie, providing both cheesy one- liners and some cheeky innuendos, topped off with Pat Butcher-esque eye makeup and rainbow coloured dresses! Also delivering fine performances were Ian Watson as the Sheriff of Nottingham and David Apps as Guy Gisbourne, and the children (and even some adults) were in their element when they got to shout “Boo”, every time they appeared.

Equally impressive were the set design and costumes which were fun, colourful, but most of all professional and it was obvious that a lot of work had gone into producing them. Also deserving a mention were the incredibly cute children in the dance groups provided by Mandy Grace.

Most importantly, this production was a great example of how everyone involved had really pulled together to make it work; the cast were obviously enjoying what they were doing and both parents and children were clearly being entertained. I was just thankful that I wasn’t sitting in the front rows when one of the cast squirted a water gun at the audience!