Babes in the Wood

Victoria Hall ADS

As the New Year takes pace and Christmas is a distant memory, good old panto is still going strong in Bolton as the Victoria Hall team present their traditional seasonal offering.

A lively opening chorus sets the pace as we are treated to this familiar tale, depicting how the Sherriff of Nottingham’s (David Walsh) failed attempt to relieve the Babes of their inheritance is foiled by a the spell of Fairy Gold-dust (Margaret Foster).

Barry Massey portrays Nurse Nancy with consummate ease. Bringing a touch of comedy, Matt Wilkinson gives Charlie the right amount of silliness. His singing of Rainbow connection was spot on.

Brendan Higgins as Ted and Anthony Johnson as Jed provide the necessary slapstick as they muddle their way through the hapless attempt to get rid of the babes – all to no avail.

Hannah Park was the perfect Principal boy as Robin Hood supported well by Katie Barnes as Maid Marion.

Strong performances were on show by the Babes, Libby Howarth as Jack and Leah Grundy as Jill. They displayed great stage presence and proved to have lovely singing voices – these two are one’s to watch for the future, both showing great potential. Morgan-Grace Pennington-Rothwell was cracking as Ruff Ruff, whose animated performance was a pleasure to watch.

Supporting characters by David Walsh, Emma Dearden, Chris Hilton completed this hard working team and with lighting and effects by Stephen Porter the society created effective scenes throughout the show.

With two performances remaining on January19th and 20th there is still time to get yourself down to Bolton’s impressive Victoria Hall and to join in the fun.

Paul Cohen

BATS

To book ring 01204 845493 or Victoria Hall Box Office.