Audience participation and local references part of the ‘Robin Hood’ fun
The tale of Robin Hood and his band of merry men has been told many different ways over the years. There have been serious Hollywood blockbusters, a Mel Brooks spoof version, a Disney cartoon in which all the characters are animals and the Canadian cartoon “Rocket Robin Hood.”
Medicine Hat Musical Theatre will add to that next month with its annual pantomime. “Robin Hood” opens Dec. 1, with eight more shows before Dec. 16.
For those unfamiliar with a pantomime, it’s a show that takes a familiar story and through local references, bawdy humour and, of course, a dame, gives it a brand new spin. One of those is a moving target with a person strapped to it who is having arrows shot at them, explains director Leah Clewlow
Performers in a pantomime are challenged with making this new take on an old character stand out. Clewlow says they’re doing “fantastically” in that regard.
“Sarah is played by Shannon Welsh and originally the script had her character as a little bit on the boring side but she’s made her sassy pants which I thoroughly enjoy,” she said. “And Bullseye is played by Ryan Holdaway. He’s given Bullseye a life of his very own.”
Sarah and Bullseye are a friend and sidekick of familiar characters Maid Marian and the Sheriff of Nottingham, respectively. Robin Hood, Friar Tuck and Little John are also among the already known characters in the show.
As a first-time director, Clewlow described the experience thus far as terrifying, great and rewarding.
“You take something on like this and it just grows and grows,” she said. “I’ve been involved in various roles (with MHMT) over the last four years, but this one is definitely the most challenging and terrifying because it’s my baby, my vision. It’s as rewarding as it is terrifying, though, because we are a theatre family. I have the most amazing team beside me. I’m never short of someone offering an extra hand or two, to put in extra hours, to step up where someone else may have had to step out, or to take my kids or feed me a meal when I’m going crazy with my day job.”
She’s not going through it alone though. The show’s producer is her husband Simon, meaning work on “Robin Hood” doesn’t stay at rehearsal.
“We basically live and breathe the show so if I’ve a thought I want to discuss with my producer, he’s always at hand ... poor guy,” she told the News.
Last week tickets were more than 70 per cent sold with three shows completely sold out. The pantomime has grown in popularity over the years in Medicine Hat. Clewlow talked up the family friendly atmosphere and audience participation aspects.
“There’s a huge amount of crowd participation including kids getting to throw rocks (not actual rocks) at the bad guys,” she said. “It’s good for adults or kids. Not your typical show where you have to sit there and be quiet which is really good for people who are antsy because you get to yell at people and boo and hiss.”
“Robin Hood” tickets are still available for the Dec. 1-2, 9-10 and 14-15 shows and are available by calling 403-502-3477 and at www.mhmtheatre.com. More information is available on the website.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children plus GST.