After several years of entrusting its annual panto to an external company, the Elgiva has brought this year’s panto in-house without sacrificing either entertainment value or ambition.
Strong vocal performances from the cast are highlighted by Lee Bright’s Robin, whose signature song ties a narrative thread around the usual panto lunacy. The dafter sections are presided over by the manic charms of Tommi Baxter-Hill’s Will Scarlet, while Richard Mann’s Sheriff makes good use of his limited stage time.
A subplot involving a wicked witch, Pandora, and the magic box in which she intends to imprison Maid Marion, fares less well, especially when the trick intended to portray the box uses a magician’s table rather than any form of cabinet. And by closing the first act on a lavish dream sequence, director Stuart Morrison provides the audience with a visual and aural spectacle, but removes any sense of peril in advance of the interval.
Performers from local dance schools, led by professionals Jordan Bearman and Marvyn Charles, provide able support. Charles’ solo dance to the Alexandra Burke song Bad Boys is a definite highlight.
The quest to elevate the story of Robin Hood above the usual panto routine may not always be successful, but it is admirable that Chesham is forever striving to be as ambitious as possible with its pantomime.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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