Robin Hood 🎯

#PRInvite #Gifted | Aberdeen Arts Centre welcomed in a full crowd on Friday for VIP preview night for this year's pantomime. From a merry entrance with Christmas Carols and fizz, this was the perfect start to seeing in the wintery months.

Star rating: ★★

Keep chins up, there will be happiness again! Talegate Theatre Company are back with their sixth pantomime installment at Aberdeen Arts Centre. This year, they are taking their shot with ‘Robin Hood’, which runs until Christmas Eve. Celebrating 10 years since they were established, Talegate Theatre are a touring company who bring ‘top quality theatre’ to unconventional spaces, aiming to provide a unique and memorable experience for theatregoers of all ages. Having already revealed next year’s pantomime, ‘The Snow Queen’, Talegate shows no signs of slowing down their efforts of enchanting the audiences of Aberdeen, or more specifically, Aberdonia.

Robin Hood runs at Aberdeen Arts Centre for an impressive month-long sit down. Join the team deep in Tyrebagger Wood as local hero, Rabbie Hood, robs from the rich and gives to the poor. The Sheriff wants to increase the taxes paid in Aberdonia - and it's up to Rabbie to save the day. Restoring Aberdonia from the Sheriff’s greedy clutch is not the only thing on Rabbie’s mind, as Maid Marian awaits patiently for her true love with a new twist. Featuring ‘hunners’ of local jokes, Doric dialect and a sprinkle of traditional panto magic: Aberdeen audiences should get behind this local panto and play their part in helping save the day.

It has long been reported that Aberdeen Arts Centre faces a risk of closure following budget cuts. In a poignant welcoming speech, Sharon Catchpole greeted audiences, explaining that even getting to opening night of ‘Robin Hood’ looked uncertain at times - and shared her relief that festive traditions could continue in the face of irresolution. Aberdeen Arts Centre is the custodian of grassroots theatre in Aberdeen - so it is no surprise that this year’s pantomime continues its legacy of supporting local performers in its front line and ensemble. Whilst the venue’s campaign continues to grow from strength to strength - one of the best ways to help Aberdeen Arts Centre this Christmas is to purchase a ticket and become enchanted by what’s on offer.

Robin Hood packs a mighty-sized production behind the scenes, transporting audiences from the Tyrebagger Wood and various other locations. Its set pieces are bold and colourful, and pivotal moments are complimented with the use of pyrotechnics. It is clear that Talegate Theatre have made a real effort to transform the small stage space into something magical.

Xander Gordon leads the show as Rabbie with a soft charm and charisma. His vocals are sweet and hold up against a challenging string of songs.

Hannah Buyers is the wicked Sheriff and she is exuberant in her delivery. She captivates the audience with some of the best numbers in the show: ‘Things are Looking Up Here in Aberdonia’ and ‘Pulled’.

Megan Wright is Maid Marion, and she is an absolute delight to listen to. Handling a complicated love medley with ease to begin, she concludes Maid Marion’s story with a magical moment that is sure to make hearts fly.

The cast are brought together by Philip Napier as Nurse Little Joan. With delightful costumes, and no fear of approaching unsuspecting audience members, Napier leads the cast with grace - and is great at engaging with the crowd.

Rounding out the merry-men are Sarah Ord as Haymitch the Henchman and Corey Adam as Will Scarlet. Ord in particular was a highlight and a lot of fun to watch on the night.

What’s a real treat is that though Talegate Theatre are a touring company, they continue to support local performers - centering them at the forefront of the pantomime; continuing Aberdeen Arts Centre’s legacy. Over 80% of talent onstage comes from Aberdeen and the North-East, providing opportunities for professional actors right on our doorstep.

Filling the Arts Centre stage are a small and young ensemble from Danz Creations who enchant audiences with energetic choreography - again, demonstrating a commitment to supporting local performers whether professional or not.

Missing from the pantomime is any sign of ensemble singing and this does dampen the overall engagement from the show. It’s difficult to imagine a pantomime opening without a vibrant establishing number - instead opting to hard launch with audience participation before they are fully warmed up. Talegate Theatre should consider incorporating some of the musical theatre groups into the show in future years, alongside their featured dancers.

The selection of songs was at times odd, too. Aside from the ‘Elephant Love Medley’ from the musical version of ‘Moulin Rouge!’, which features a whopping 19 songs in one go, the other choices of songs are good, but slightly askew. 

It’s not the perfect bullseye, but it is definitely a fitting panto. Robin Hood runs at Aberdeen Arts Centre until Christmas Eve, ready to enchant families and children all month long. Above all, it is an affordable panto - with enough jokes to keep kids engrossed and adults chuckling along. And if you’re left wanting more - ‘The Snow Queen’ is booking now.