Spalding High School students put on Robin Hood the pantomime

Robin Hood was selected as Spalding High School’s pantomime this year.

The script, written by Brian Luff, was highly entertaining and provided the opportunity for many musical numbers to be included - writes Tanwen Fisk.

The story began with Robin Hood (Jasmine Maladi) and Maid Marian (Lara Bollebakker) in love and hoping to be married.

However, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham (Nathan Oakman) was bent on winning Marian for himself and hatched a plan with Denchman the Henchman (Bebby Walker) and Mystic Reg (Melodie Franks) to trap Robin and ransom his life in exchange for Marian’s hand.

Robin’s merry men and women, rallied to his rescue prompting King Richard (Hannah Mukama) to return just in time to stop the wedding and reunite Robin and Marian.

The performance was hilarious.

The energy was maintained throughout by the many exuberant performances.

Who knew the school had so many talented performers?

Lara Bollebakker and Eleanor Chorlton were delightful as best friends Marian and Juliet.

Highlights included the songs Raise You Up!’ sung by Will Scarlett, Little June and Friar Tuck.

Charlotte Smith, the director, chose well here.

Not only was this a tuneful rendition by Josh Ruddle, Amelia Twelves and Gwenllian Humphreys, but the enthusiastic embraces and sobbing made this moment a highlight of the evening.

Ben Parr as Dame Dora and Gwenllian Humphreys as Will Scarlett encouraged audience interaction and showed excellent comic timing in their jelly and cream scene, which saw them both (as well as the stage) become plastered in jelly pies.

Long Face, the Pantomime Horse, frequently stole the scene.

The moment when Alan a Dale (Ash Rayner) tried to mount him to search for King Richard was particularly funny.