East Leake

Mike Elliott 0115 937 6506 mike@elliottnews.co.uk

ELAPS. ‘Robin Hood: Making Merry’ lived up to its title when the East Leake Amateur Players presented their annual festive show, written and directed by Gill Bowness and held before very appreciative audiences in the village hall.

Five performances, including three sell out ones, were performed, with the production comfortably presenting what it promised, a fun-filled pantomime for all the family.

Each show lasted around two-and-a-half hours and provided the all-age audience with lots to enjoy and even take part in at times.

The show director, Gill Bowness, -- she also wrote the script -- in giving her comment to those attending the event, said in the light of some strong auditions, she made the decision this year to showcase some of their younger members of ELAPS in the principal roles of Allan a’ Dale, Will Scarlett, Little John and Owl. “They are strongly and ably supported by our ‘more experienced’ members including the wicked ‘wannabee King’ John, Lady Macbreath and the bumbling Sheriff of Nottingham --without whom a trip to Sherwood would never be complete. With a wealth of other characters, we hope that you will indeed be ‘Making Merry’. A special thank you to Ellie Bowness for her hard work on the choreography and singing – it has really brought the show to life.

“And a sincere thank you, as always, to the family of ELAPS (on stage, backstage and front of house) for all their support, encouragement and sheer hard work. Without you, none of this would be possible.”

There were 25 cast members taking part in the production and they were: Allan a’ Dale Alex Mitchell, Arborthea Ellie Bowness, Fungi Noah Harrow, Bluebell Leigha Hulett, Friar Tuck Abbie Hastings, Robin Hood Leanne Hughes, Lancelot Hayley Masom; Happy John Kay Lewis Owl, Tilly Atkins, Will Scarlett Lorena Thorley, Prince John Ian Bowness, Lady Macbreath Geoff Dixon, Duchess of Drownton Shabby Sophia Thorne, Maid Marion Orla Geeson, Sheriff of Nottingham Geoff Freeman, Herald 1 Alex Thorne, Beryl Boyston - Lady Boy Annette McQuillan, Meghan Muckle Lady Muck Debbie Flinders, Little John Scarlet Bland, Herald 2 Emma Atkinson, Trader Millie Mercer, Bullseye Bill Kay Lewis, Nun Sharon Torr King ,Richard Nicky Doherty, Outlaws/Soldiers Megan Walker, Eliza Osborne and members of the cast.

The Production Team: Script Gill Bowness, Director Gill Bowness, Music and Choreography Ellie Bowness, Stage Manager Bethany Robinson-Green, Sound Paul Harris, Lighting Keith Benedict,

Wardrobe Marian Brogan, Val Teare, Leanne Hughes, Set Design/Painting Georgia Bland, Geoff Freeman, Props construction Mike Dickens, Paul Collett, Props management Jane Lewis, Prompt Felicity Hill, Backstage