Robin Hood And The Babes In The Wood

"Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood"

Spotlight Theatre.

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Set in the woodland of Sherwood Forest and the Castle at Nottingham, Nanny Annie is bringing the Babes to the care of their uncle, the villainous Sheriff. However, things don't go to plan and Robin Hood discovers that the two Babes have been left in the forest and so takes them under his protection. The Sheriff of Nottingham is desperate to capture Robin Hood and his band of Merry Folk so he arranges an archery contest at the Goose Fair that he knows Robin won't be able to resist. 

Who will win the contest? Who will win the heart of Maid Marian? 

Hemi Lewis plays the role of Robin Hood, confidently taking charge with hands on hips and plenty of thigh slapping, as in the old tradition of pantomime.

Maid Marian is the beautiful beau for our hero Robin, and it's plain to see why both Sophie Benner and Tegan King were chosen for this shared role. Sunday evening I saw Tegan.

Lady Catherine is played by Madelyn Pritchard and Emily Holder in another shared role and on Sunday evening Madelyn was Maid Marian's right hand woman.

Little John is played by Oliver Smith and who else could have played this role as Oliver, if you've never seen him before is very tall.

Mike Pearson, who has swapped one set of long flowing robes for another set, as Friar Tuck. It's still funny to me to see a man of the cloth dancing around like Mike does in the show.

JK Smith is Nanny Annie. Great fun to watch, as are all of these people on stage, and some brilliant costumes to go.

Silly Billy is played by Patrick McChrystal and I love the physical bit that he puts in after saying his character name on stage, Silly Billy Goodbody. You have to see it to know what I mean! Straight away he gets the audience behind him with his "ey up me duck" call and response on every stage entrance. Panto as it should be!

Graham Ward is the evil Sherrif Of Nottingham. The audience took a bit of time to get into proper full on booing mode, but by the second half Graham had them booing as soon as he stepped on stage and eating out of his hand.

Joe Butler plays Fairy Clumber, named not after Clumber park, but because this funny fairy is just a little clumsy. I still can't believe that this is Joe's first role as a panto fairy, but she shows that she can play nice just as well as she can play nasty, as in the past. Joe's version of Bjork's "It's Oh So Quiet" was just one of many highlights for me, especially as it's not the easiest of songs to perform. Brilliant costume by the way and love those wellies!

Luca Smith plays one half of a fabulously funny pairing named Muck and Tilly Wishart on Sunday evening plays Rake. These roles are also shared by Bethany Wear as Muck while Shantanu Bhumbra, one of the busiest local actors over the past year, plays Rake. 

George Young is Allan-A-Dale, Much, The Miller's Son, is played by Preston Nash, another busy young actor over the last 12 months, David of Doncaster is played by Jo Holt in her debut for Spotlight Theatre. Helena Cave and Daisy Donohue share the part of Will Scarlett with Daisy performing on Sunday evening's show,  

The adult company in this high energy panto are Sophie Benner, Helena Cave, Daisy Donoghue, Alannah Hills, Jess Henley-Marshall, Emily Holder, Tegan King, Madelyn Pritchard and Hermione Cumbers.

There are two teams performing over the panto period, Team Walesby, who consist of Ellie-Mai Hummel, Caitlin Robinson, Grace Moroziuk, Karin Hurst, Willow Hunter, Zara Halse, Madeline Bisby, Ruby Hall, Gracie Laxton, Erin Mills, Olive Jefford, Megan Holder and Freya Ireson.

Team Wellow consist of Mia Jacks, Orla Donohoe, Emma Price, Sarah Fisher, Kessia Gudgin, Oscar Jack, Hattie Duffin, Olivia Finch, Evie Andrew, Izzy, Jess Blackham, Miley Brown and Clio Wilkinson-Dunstan. Team Wellow was the team performing on Sunday evening.

The roles of River and Willow, The Babes,  are shared by Atia Morrell and Delilah Fyles-Carr (River) and Ameelie Booth and Ella Rhodes (Willow). Sunday evening I watched Ella and Delilah.

Such a large and hard working cast that I hope that I haven't inadversely missed anyone out.

Directed and written by Amanda hall and Liam Petruccio-Hall, this is yet another big success in the writing department weaving energy and fun into every role. A nice blend of golden oldie jokes with some fresh ones thrown in for good measure.

Choreographed by Megan Leahy, assisted by Charlotte Barrington and Laura McChrystal. This is a massive cast and every single one of this cast not only looked as if they were having the best time dancing on that stage, they made sure that we, the audience members also had a ball watching that energy just explode through dance.

Musical Director is Patrick McChrystal, the singing from the whole cast was hot, especially in songs like "Hot To Go" and "Apt", which by the way has been turned into an acronym for Awesome Party Tree which made the inclusion of the song perfect. The whole company songs like "I'm A Believer", "Step Into Christmas" and the two opening act numbers "Boogie Nottingham" (a parody of "Boogie Wonderland") and "Wake Up Boo" just raised the energy so much and got people in the mood for a good time.

Set Design is by Amanda Hall, Laura McChrystal and Mike Pearson and looking around the set there are some nice additions like the two lions among the shiny, bright set which moves seamlessly between Goose fair, The Market Place and Sherwood Forest.

Costume design is by Sophie Petruccio-Hall and Spotlight Theatre Arts CIC, and another highlight of this show. The Sherrif's costume really creates that dark aura visually while the other characters are easily recognised by costumes alone, especially Will Scarlet. Fairy Clumber's is great fun and then of course there's Nanny Annie's creations.

Lighting Design is by Oliver Read who created the usual on stage explosion of colour and this was operated by George Wilson and Follow Spot Operators being Cathy Bodman and Cris Brawn.

Sound Designer is Rob Kettridge who produced the first perfect sound design for any of the pantos that I have seen this year to date, and that includes the Theatre Royal show.

There's projection which also helped advertise upcoming shows as well as a pricelist for items available for kids to wave around and wear, but also provided projection of the words for the singalong section of the show. This area of expertise is the responsibility of College Street Technical Services.

I keep mentioning just what a large cast this is, which gives big responsibility to stage management and Laura McChrystal, assisted by Roman Moroziuk, who I am sure is anew addition to the Spotlight family. Deputy Stage manager is Nigel Newton and Charlotte Barrington.

I've deliberately not gone on about each individual performance for the simple reason that this team work as one and they all come together to deliver a fun and family friendly pantomime, working like a well oiled machine.

"Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood"

Spotlight Theatre

4 Stars

For those unfamiliar, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is a lively pantomime set in Sherwood Forest. The story follows Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they outwit the notorious Sheriff of Nottingham while protecting two young children. Packed with adventure, humour, and magical moments, this production is an entertaining treat for audiences of all ages.

This production of Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood is performed by arrangement with Amanda Hall Scripts. Spotlight Theatre brings this lively, heartwarming pantomime to life with a cast full of energy, charm, and fun. Even without knowing the story beforehand, the show pulls you straight in with its colourful characters, upbeat songs, and performers clearly enjoying every moment on stage.

Hemi Lewis takes on the lead role as Robin Hood, the heroic outlaw of Sherwood Forest. I absolutely loved watching her — her acting skills, confidence, and stage presence are simply wow! You could tell she was really getting stuck in and enjoying the space on the stage. She is magnetic, fearless, and utterly captivating, radiating charm and joy in every scene. Robin Hood is clever, brave, and always standing up for justice, and Hemi brings all these qualities to life with heroic flair and infectious energy. She shines particularly during the archery competition where she triumphs with the golden arrow. Her performance of “Apt” is show-stopping, combining strong vocals, playful charisma, and commanding stage presence, making her the heart and soul of the production.

Tegan plays Maid Marian, the brave and clever heroine of the story. Marian is compassionate, clever, and loyal, and Tegan delivers her with grace, charm, and spirited energy. She shares a strong chemistry with Robin Hood, creating moments of tenderness, humour, and courage. Her performance highlights Marian’s intelligence and bravery, making her a truly inspiring character.

Graham Ward plays the Sheriff of Nottingham, the primary antagonist of the story. The Sheriff is cunning, villainous, scheming, arrogant, and completely obsessed with catching Robin Hood. Graham brings him to life with mischief, over-the-top menace, and brilliant comic flair. Every sneer, every exaggerated gesture, and every dramatic moment makes him a real joy to boo and hiss at. He delivers the perfect pantomime villain — entertaining, larger-than-life, and full of delightful tension and humour throughout the show.

Joe Butler, who plays Fairy Clumber, is the show’s magical, whimsical guide, blending warmth, charm, and playful mischief. Starting the show with sign language was a thoughtful, inclusive touch, and she manages acting, singing, and movement with impressive skill and precision. Fairy Clumber guides the story with sparkle and humour, adding a touch of enchantment to every scene. She also performed a solo of “Oh So Quiet” by Björk, which was absolutely beautiful and I really enjoyed listening to her. I have seen her previously in other productions, but I had never heard her sing this song before, and it was a truly delightful surprise. I would have loved to see more of her sign language throughout the show, but I completely understand that it’s not always possible, as acting, dancing, and singing all at the same time is incredibly challenging.

George Young plays Allan A’Dale, Robin Hood’s loyal and witty companion. Allan is clever, quick-thinking, and often provides comic relief in tense situations. George brings him to life with playful energy, charm, and excellent timing, creating scenes filled with humour and fun. Allan’s interactions with Robin Hood and the Merry Men are dynamic and lively, and his clever antics make him both memorable and entertaining.

Oliver Smith takes on Little John, the strong, dependable, and loyal member of the Merry Men. Little John is a protector, a supporter of Robin Hood, and a source of humour and warmth. Oliver’s performance combines physical comedy, timing, and commanding presence, making Little John both heroic and entertaining. He plays off the ensemble with confidence, creating memorable interactions and comedic moments.

Helena portrays Will Scarlett, the mischievous and lively member of the Merry Men. Will is quick-witted, cheeky, and playful, often adding humour and unpredictability to the group. Helena brings energy, spark, and comedic timing, creating laugh-out-loud moments while helping to move the story forward. Her playful personality engages the audience and adds charm to the ensemble scenes.

Jo Holt plays David of Doncaster, a faithful and earnest friend to Robin Hood. David is loyal, sincere, and caring, balancing the humour and chaos with grounded, emotional presence. Jo’s portrayal is warm, relatable, and expressive, making David a character audiences can root for. Her interactions add heart and depth, enhancing the story’s emotional resonance.

Preston Nash plays Much, a youthful, enthusiastic, and playful member of the Merry Men. Much is eager, fun-loving, and loyal, often adding humour and energy to the ensemble. Preston’s performance is confident, charming, and highly engaging, and seeing him perform with increased confidence from previous shows adds extra delight. His antics and interactions bring lightheartedness and joy to the production.

Madelyn Pritchard as Lady Catherine, a regal, witty, and clever character, adding elegance and sophistication to the courtly scenes. Lady Catherine is observant and humorous, often providing commentary and interacting playfully with other characters. Madelyn brings polish, charm, and comedic timing, creating memorable moments and enhancing the visual and narrative appeal of the pantomime.

Patrick McChrystal brings Silly Billy to life with outstanding comedic instinct and infectious audience interaction. Silly Billy is the heart of the comedy, full of chaotic energy, cheeky humour, and lovable silliness. Patrick’s trademark call-and-response “Ay-Up!” “Ay-Up Duck!” becomes one of the show’s most joyful running gags, instantly bonding the audience with the cast. He commands the stage with quick wit, ad-libs, and slapstick brilliance, keeping both children and adults laughing continuously. His duet scenes with Nanny Annie Goodbody are comic gold, showcasing perfect chemistry, timing, and a shared sense of fun that lifts the entire theatre.

Mike Pearson who's is playing as Friar Tuck Mike brings warmth, charm, and playful humour to Friar Tuck, the jolly, grounded, and wise member of the Merry Men. Having previously performed as a Dame, it’s wonderful to see him in a different role, bringing energy, heart, and well-timed comedy. His presence adds depth, fun, and a comforting, homely feel to the group, especially during mischievous scenes with the Merry Men.

Joseph Smith plays the classic panto dame, Nanny Annie Goodbody, with big personality, bold costume, and even bigger laughs. She is flamboyant, fearless, and delivers hilarious one-liners, cheeky interactions, and exaggerated expressions. Her partnership with Silly Billy creates fast-paced, chaotic, and charming comedy, filling the stage with warmth and pantomime magic.

Children’s Company – Team Wellow: Orla, Hattie, Sarah, Kessia, Oscar, Mia, Emma, and Clio.

Team Wellow bring wonderful energy and charm to the production. Their performances are full of enthusiasm, precision, and joy, adding extra sparkle to every scene. Their dances are precise, joyful, and full of character, with each child performing with a big smile and strong stage presence. They bring Sherwood Forest to life with vibrant energy, helping to fill group scenes with movement and excitement.

Performing on the following dates: Thursday 11th Dec 7pm, Saturday 13th Dec 2pm & 7pm, Wednesday 17th Dec 10am & 2pm, Friday 19th Dec 7pm, Saturday 20th Dec 2pm, Sunday 21st Dec 4pm).

Senior Company – Team Wellow: Evie, Jess, Miley, Olivia, and Isobel.

The Senior Company brings wonderful energy, confidence, and polish to the production. Evie, Jess, Miley, Olivia, and Isobel each contribute precise choreography, strong stage presence, and expressive performance, adding depth and sparkle to group scenes. Their enthusiasm and professionalism enhance the overall magic of Sherwood Forest, supporting the main cast and helping to fill every moment on stage with life and excitement.

Adult Ensemble – Hermione Male, Alannah Hills, Jess Henley-Marshall & Sophie Benner.

The Adult Ensemble brings a powerful backbone to the production, elevating every scene with precision, confidence, and magnetic stage presence. Their work seamlessly fills Sherwood Forest with life, movement, and character.

Hermione brings expressive detail to every moment she’s onstage, shifting effortlessly between roles. Whether creating atmosphere, supporting choreography, or reacting in the background, she ensures the world of the story always feels active and believable.

Alannah Hills lights up the stage with her bright energy and commitment. Her timing, reactions, and movement work give scenes depth and polish, and her enthusiasm enriches both the comic and dramatic moments of the show.

Jess Henley-Marshall delivers crisp choreography, clean transitions, and strong vocal support. She brings a confident presence that strengthens big musical numbers and group scenes, adding shape, rhythm, and clarity to the storytelling.

Sophie Benner adds personality and flair in every appearance. Her expressions, physicality, and stage awareness make her a standout in the ensemble, and she consistently enhances scenes with humour, heart, and sharp performance skills. She brings a natural energy and enthusiasm that lifts the entire stage, reacting to both the main cast and audience with perfect timing. Whether in supporting choreography, musical numbers, or ensemble interactions, Sophie’s commitment and attention to detail help create a lively, engaging atmosphere. Her ability to blend seamlessly into group scenes while still making a memorable impact shows both versatility and professionalism, making her an invaluable part of the production.

Emily Holder brings bright, confident energy to the stage, contributing both strong character work and expressive performance. Whether supporting the main cast or enhancing group scenes, Emily shows real commitment and focus, always giving 100% to every moment she’s on stage. Her reactions, timing, and movement work help build the atmosphere of Sherwood Forest, and she adds warmth, humour, and clarity to the storytelling. Emily is a reliable, engaging performer whose presence strengthens the ensemble and elevates the production as a whole.

Together, this ensemble is vital to the success of the production, lifting the main cast, filling the stage with dynamic energy, and giving Sherwood Forest a sense of community and magic. Their professionalism and enthusiasm shine through in every moment.

Amanda Hall and Liam Arthur Petruccio-Hall have delivered an outstanding production as Writers, Directors, and Producers, bringing together the strongest cast I’ve ever seen for this pantomime. Their direction perfectly balances comedy, music, and action, ensuring every performer shines while keeping the story engaging and lively. From pacing to humour, Amanda and Liam’s vision guides the show seamlessly, creating moments of magic, laughter, and heart that resonate with audiences of all ages. The production feels polished, professional, and full of joy a true testament to their skill and dedication.

Costume Designer was Sophie Petruccio-Hall. She created vibrant and imaginative costumes that perfectly reflected each character’s personality. Robin Hood looked heroic, Fairy Clumber sparkled with magic, and the Sheriff’s outfits were delightfully villainous. Every costume added colour, movement, and energy, helping the characters truly come alive on stage.

Choreographer was Megan Leahy, assisted by Charlotte Barrington and . Their choreography was lively, playful, and precise, giving every musical number sparkle and flair. The routines blended beautifully with the comedy and story, keeping the pace fast, fun, and full of energy.

Stage Manager was Laura McChrystal. She kept the show running like clockwork, coordinating props, scene changes, and cues flawlessly. Every transition was smooth, letting the performers focus on their acting and ensuring the audience never missed a moment.

Set Designers were Amanda Hall, Laura McChrystal, and Mike Pearson. They created clear and functional sets, including a castle, a forest, and a children’s bedroom. While the scenes didn’t change frequently, the designs provided a strong sense of place and context, supporting the storytelling effectively. The simplicity of the sets allowed the performers and costumes to shine, keeping the action easy to follow while giving Sherwood Forest a believable and engaging backdrop.

Lighting Designer was Oliver Reed. His lighting highlighted both comedy and drama perfectly. Colours, focus, and timing enhanced every scene, guiding the audience’s attention and creating atmosphere without a single hiccup.

Production Design was handled by College Street Technical Services CIC. Their expert support kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Sound, lighting, and scene cues were flawless, giving the show a polished, professional, and magical finish.

A huge thank you to the team at Pixie Dust Dancewear for providing the goody bags for this year’s pantomime, adding an extra touch of magic and delight for the kids who get invited to go onto the stage with Patrick McChrystal and Joe Butler!.

This production of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is full of heart, humour, and spectacle. From Hemi’s heroic Robin Hood to Patrick and Nanny Annie’s laugh-out-loud antics, Fairy Clumber’s charm, and the adorable Babes in the Wood, every scene bursts with energy and magic. Spotlight Theatre has delivered a joyful, polished pantomime that audiences of all ages will adore.

Looking ahead, Spotlight Theatre’s next pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, promises a brand-new production never before seen in Nottingham — this is definitely one not to be missed!

Review written By Owen Brindley