Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

Farnworth Performing Arts Company

Bolton Sixth Form College, Queen Street, Farnworth

Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

THE panto season is well and truly with us and this traditional production is full of the usual ingredients — daft jokes, comic characters and catchy songs.

Seasoned director Paul Cohen has ingeniously mixed an experienced cast with newcomers, adapting his production to this new venue by keeping scenery to a minimum, although the props and scenery that were in evidence were well thought out and effective.

Dame Nellie (Matthew Gavin), henchmen Snivel (Gareth Mabon) and Grovel (Elliot Hogben), and merry men Paul Costello (Friar Tuck) and Rachel Scrafton (Will Scarlett) keep the jokes and audience titters flowing, and Chris Hatchman gives a rib-tickling performance as Little John.

Jason Crompton is suitably villainous as the Sherriff, whilst Libby Russell and Adam Crompton are a delight as the babes. Jennifer Scrafton’s Robin Hood and Katie Ball’s Maid Marian sing a lovely duet together, and veteran actor Colin Dean is the noble King Richard.

Particularly impressive is the children's chorus — enthusiastic singing and well-choreographed dancing each time they appeared — they were a delight to watch.

The production's costumes were simply wonderful.

Peter Haslam