Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood – Normanton Junior Academy
A warm welcome greeted me as I went to see the opening night of Encore Theatre Company’s (ETC) 2024 pantomime Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood and this warm welcome was not just aimed at me – if only all front of house staff were as attentive and jolly as Encore’s lot all pantomimes would have a head start with the audience participation! What a warming feeling on a cold January night!
Established in 1944, Encore is a well-known company in the local area and boasts The Lord St Oswald (6th Baron St Oswald) of Nostell Priory as its Honorary Patron. What made this production special to me was the inclusivity on the stage as well as off. It really was a diverse community performance and just how panto should be – a collective experience for the cast and the audience – as one doesn’t ex...