The holiday season can be so busy and stressful. That’s why it is so important to take the time to find joy and opportunities to have fun with the whole family. If you are looking for such an opportunity, The British Players has exactly what you are looking for!
This cast is so cohesive and talented…accolades go to director Nicola Hoag…a stellar production team…highly recommends that you make this a part of your holiday festivities.
For those unfamiliar with The British Players, they are a theatre group who were initially formed by local British employees of the UK embassy. Over the years, they have welcomed Americans into their ranks while remaining committed to presenting traditional British entertainment that they share with the community. One such tradition is the annual holiday pantomime.
A British pantomime is perhaps not what many Americans imagine—soundless acts done by a person with white makeup and wearing black clothes. For the British, it is a long time staple of the holiday season—the comedic re-telling of a fable or faerie story that implements contemporary music, classic character tropes, and some of the corniest jokes you’ve ever heard. It also “breaks the fourth wall” which not only allows, but actually encourages, the audience to cheer, boo, sing, and participate in the action of the play. Several roles are also gender swapped, with people sometimes playing non-human parts as well.
This year’s “panto” is a classic tale of Robin Hood (Priscilla Howell), with all of the regular hallmarks of these tales: Robin making mischief with his band of Merry Men (Matt Craun, Tyler Hanson, Puck Elkins, and Robert Treachout); romancing the beautiful Maid Marion (Hollie Dickman); and, of course, sparring with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham (Bob Schwartz) and Prince John (Jonathan Kilgore.) This particular story focuses on Robin protecting the titular “babes in the woods” who are the two young children (Allison Ceballos and Aidan Swank) of the absent King Richard (Ian Swank) and heirs to the throne of England. Because they stand in the way of succession, Prince John and his evil bride, Queen Arachnid (Rachel Schlaff), want them out of the way with the help of his not too bright minions Pokem (Lisa Singleton), Bashem (Chloe McGinness), and Thumpem (Richard Jacobson.) First they will have to tangle with the heroes who also enlist the help of the artful Hayrick (Niranjali Amerasinghe), the silly Nursie (Chuck Hoag), and her trusty pup, Tyson (Amanda D Jones). Will the babes be saved? Will Robin and Marion end up happy? Will the villains face their just desserts? Of course, it’s panto!
I have seen many pantos over the years and this was one of my absolute favorites. The story is funny and heartwarming, and the music was perfectly chosen, with musical genres as varied as opera to contemporary pop. This cast is so cohesive and talented and it is obvious they are all having an enormous amount of fun. A show this good and well-oiled never just happens by accident so huge accolades go to director Nicola Hoag.
One of the best things about this show was that everyone had their chance to shine. There were several numbers that showcased a strong ensemble, both vocally and through dance. I particularly enjoyed the opening number, a parody of the Village People’s “In the Navy,” which became “At the Panto,” and the opening of Act II, which was a send up of Chappell Roan’s recent mega-hit, “Pink Pony Club.” There was a clever sequence set to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” that was a lot of fun. Another favorite moment was a sweet, barbershop version of “Edelweiss” from “The Sound of Music” delivered by some very unlikely butterflies.
This cast was incredibly strong and the classic good-versus-evil tropes were firmly on display. Dickman as Marion was lovely but also infused a bit of sass into this role. She charmed throughout but especially in her version of “It’s in His Kiss (Shoop Shoop).” Robin was as dashing a hero as ever and Howell expertly portrayed the playful nature of this well known gentleman thief. Amerasinghe was vital as Hayrick, always bringing the audience along for the ride. Her operatic skills were completely unexpected but impressed this reviewer immensely. Chuck Hoag and Jones made an excellent comedic duo and also added genuine sweetness in their duet, a panto-version of “I’d Do Anything” from the musical “Oliver!” The babes also gave standout performances. It’s not easy to be the only kids in a cast of adults, but Swank and Ceballos did a phenomenal job.
Last but certainly not least, my personal favorites were the baddies. These three diabolical duos are the ones you loved to hate, or at least boo. Schwartz and Singleton drove much of the action with aplomb and cracked up the audience repeatedly. The sinister Schlaff and Kilgore duo was also excellent. Their parody of “Killer Queen” by Queen was an evil delight. Perhaps my most favorite performances were McGinness and Jacobson as the bumbling thugs set to do away with the babes. Their performance of “Henchmen Are Forgotten” was hysterical and we all love a redemption arc.
A production this strong could not be possible with an amazing cast alone. Hoag also assembled a stellar production team that kept this show running incredibly smoothly. Music Director Ian Swank and Choreographer Nancy Scales Harry made sure this cast put their talents to best use. Stage managers Aaron Skolnik and Nicola Willis-Jones (assistant) had the pacing of this show down to a genuine art. Incredibly, the beautiful set design was done by high school student Lily Pacuit, an incredible talent. I can’t wait to see what she does in the future. Nicola Hoag also designed the colorful and vibrant costumes and Cathy Dunn stunned, as usual, in the hair and makeup department. Commendations also go to Technical Director Matt Mills and Mike Lewis for all the wonderful work on the set. A shout out goes to Chuck Hoag and Missi Tessier for their incredible music arrangements and lyric revisions. Anyone who knows panto knows that a show lives and dies by the music. With so much thought and cohesion put into the music, this year’s selection was truly exceptional. There were even little easter eggs in the instrumental transitions between scenes. The orchestra was also fabulous. I just cannot say enough how much I enjoyed it.
Over the years, seeing the British Players’ pantomimes have gone from a simple, bright spot in an often busy holiday season to a holiday tradition that I would not miss. This reviewer highly recommends that you make this a part of your holiday festivities. This show is appropriate for all ages and fun for the whole family.
Running Time: Approximately two hours including one 15-minute intermission.
“Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood – A Pantomime” runs through January 10, 2025 presented by The British Players at Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St, Kensington, MD 20895 For more information and to purchase tickets, please go
301.263.6982
Service Areas
