Action-packed fun for all the family to enjoy as 'Robin Hood' hits a bull's eye as it opens at The Moat Theatre in Naas this week

By Kim O'Leary

Lights. Bow and arrow. Hooded cloak. Action!

The setting for The Moat Theatre’s 38th annual Christmas pantomime, ‘Robin Hood’ is brought to life with a very modern twist on the classic tale of the archery legend with the help of a very talented ensemble cast, excellent costumes, props and settings that make for a fantastic performance.

The Moat Theatre was filled with excited faces, both young and old, as they eagerly waited for the performers to take to the stage for the review night of 'Robin Hood' on Thursday, 29 November.

‘Robin Hood’ is brought to The Moat Theatre by the team behind last year’s sell-out production of The Three Musketeers, and this year promises to be even better than last! King Richard is absent and the realm is in the evil grips of the Sherriff of Nottingham, and the boom is most certainly back in Nottingham according to the Sherriff (taking a leaf out of Michael O’Leary’s book), with charges on everything!

With the annual Christmas tournament fast approaching, Maid Marian along with the residents of Nottingham are at their wit’s end! Could it be that Robin Hood can save the day by winning the tournament, defeating the sheriff and bringing Christmas home…? Come join Robin Hood, Marian and of course Nelly Smickers in this action-packed adventure!

The pantomime is directed by the wonderful Lianne O’Shea and written by her husband Gerard O’Shea, who have decided to add a few very interesting and modern plot twists to the classic tale of friendship, courage, justice and empowerment.

The pantomime follows the story of the legendary Robin Hood and the Merry Mob as they fight against the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham who has imposed a series of unfair taxes in the run up to Christmas!

The panto introduces the audience to the strong-willed darling of Nottingham Maid Marian (played by Emer Clune), the wise-cracking Nelly Smickers (Dan Brian Horan), Maid Marian’s best friend the loyal Much (Aaron O’Connor), arrogant newcomer Robert who is seeking to find his missing sibling(Aidan Cooney), fashionista Nancy Fame (Mary Newman), the king of Nottingham King Richard (Mark Steele), the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham (Dan Nolan) and his hapless henchmen Harry (Gerard O’Shea) and Marv (Dermot Campbell).

Meanwhile, Robin Hood’s lovable motely crew of rogues includes Little John (Dan Keogh) and the wise Friar Tuck (Paddy Carroll) as well as a legion of Merry Minions and the townsfolk.

The pantomime opens to reveal a very detailed town setting complete with a market in the town square and while the townsfolk appear to be happy telling folklore tales and buying items from the market stalls, their happiness is disrupted by the announcement that while King Richard is away sorting Brexit, and that the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham has introduced taxes and charges on everything from illness to celebrating Christmas!

The comic relief of the Pantomime is shared between Nelly Smickers played by the hilarious Dan Brian Horan, who is very engaging with the audience, including some well-placed jokes on Irish politics and Brexit, while the bumbling duo of Harry and Marv will have the audience in hysterics with their mad-cap antics as they try to stop Robin Hood and The Merry Mob.

Meanwhile, the dastardly Sherriff of Nottingham played by the fantastic Dan Nolan is the greedy, egotistical villain that everyone loves to hate in stark comparison with the brave and generous Robin Hood.

The sword-fighting and archery scenes are top-notch while there is an eclectic mix of Christmas hits and modern songs with some show-stopping dance numbers such as a performance to Sia’s ‘The Greatest’ and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ smash hit ‘Can’t Hold Us’, choreographed by Deirdre Brown which will have everyone singing and dancing along.

The cast was also very willing to meet and talk to the children after the performance, further adding to the exciting experience.

As the townsfolk team-up with the mysterious Robin Hood and The Merry Mob to save the town and indeed the country from the Sheriff’s wicked ways, they learn that true heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and as the wise King Richard puts it ‘not all superheroes wear capes’.

‘Robin Hood’ will run at the Moat Theatre from Friday 30 November-Saturday 15 December, every Thursday @ 8pm, Friday @ 8pm, Saturday @ 2 & 6pm, Sunday @ 2 & 6pm.

On open night tonight Friday 30 November tickets are on special offer for just €10 and for more information visit www.moattheatre.com