Robin Hood … a romping success!!!
Robin Hood – a parent’s review
Tuesday night saw the opening of the Rydal Penrhos Preparatory School Year 3 and Year 4 production of Robin Hood, a musical by Nick Perrin; and what a night it was! It was a true delight to witness the confidence and ability of all the performers in this romp through the Robin Hood legend.
The wonderful first song, sung by Zahra Shamsi, started the evening’s entertainment in such a professional way that it set a very high standard for the evening.
Robin Hood was played by Teddy Roberts; and what a star in the making. From his very first and dramatic entrance, his stage presence was something to behold, and his ability to remain in character at all times throughout the play was something to be admired by any budding, or even accomplished, actor. His adventures through Sherwood, fighting for justice and good were fast paced and furious, with an admirable cast of Merry Men, rogues and outlaws, whose singing and characterisation were fabulous.
Strong supporting roles were played by the delightful Freyja Williams as Maid Marian, whose beautiful, almost ethereal, singing filled the hall; the marvellous Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Brona Richardson; and, of course, Guy of Gisborne and the menacing soldiers: a tribute to their acting ability once again.
One of the many amusing highlights of the show was a small skit performed with gusto between Robin Hood and Friar Tuck and the famous crossing of the river; and then there was the rap/chant of the story of Robin Hood and Little John. There was so much packed in to an almost too short one-hour performance. It could have continued a lot longer, I believe, and still had the audience laughing their socks off.
The story was both amusing and animated, and the entire cast put their heart and soul into it. The main actors were wonderful and so were the supporting actors and the chorus (who had the challenging task of maintaining harmonies, singing in rounds and acting – sometimes all at the same time.)
This real team effort was achieved on stage and off, and the work put in by the producer and director, Andy Camp; Head of Music, Peter Williams; the teachers; parents; Ashcroft girls; lighting squad; set builders and administration backup were inspirational. To achieve such a polished performance from a group of 7 and 8 year-old children was inspirational, and a real credit to the school and all of those involved.
Roger McDuff proclaimed it to be the absolute highlight of his time in the school so far, and that was true praise from a Head who is enjoying the life of the school enormously and has so much to be proud of already in the school year.
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