Coll Pantomime - 1990 -
Robin Hood & his Merry Men..

Mike Taylor

This year, in accordance with tradition, the Coll Players put on their eagerly awaited pantomime just before Christmas.

The usual cast members were augmented by talented newcomers and a blend of experience and youthful vitality was produced. Special mention should go to dame Moira MacIntyre for her performance as Robin Hood, bringing a new dimension to a normally serious role.

Lee Bell starred as Batman, also doing her own stunts, and was frighteningly realistic. Mention must be made of Steph Beil whose portrayal or " Friar Muck" was one of the highlights of the theatrical year. Hours in the make-up room berofehand, fitting padding, transformed this trim figure to the portly character or the friar.

Neil Morrison showed his worth as a forest deer giving his talent for "character parts" an airing.

The usual cultured performance by Pete Smalley, on loan from the R.S.C., brought tears to the eyes of the director while the interpretation of the Genie (Little John) by Sir John Gielgud English - as welt as raising belly laughs - brought admiration from all who watched.

Alan Brodie's "Will" was a fine cameo role calling for split second timing and musicianship. Ken Jones as hutch the miller's son and Ali Anderson as Alistair McSporron, provided comic retief. For sheer ham acting in the best tradition, John Porrelli as Sir Gory or Gisbourne, takes the award.

Mention must be made of the scenery, which was painted by Barbara Payne and Mairi Hedderwick. This wonderful mural brought gasps of admiration from players and audience alike, and the director would like to thank them especially for their work.

But perhaps the star of the production this year was Cyril the Snake who looked so life-like that at least one member of the audience asked if it was poisonous! Of course, Cyril was the work or the speciaL effects dept. led by Ken Jones but brilliantly manipulated by Mike Taylor who was approached by a scout from The Muppet Show" afterwards.

Words cannot express the sheer beauty or "maid Marion" and lain Cochrane's delightful and demure presentation caused many an eye to turn.

A second performance was requested the following week which was also a great success.

The director would like to thank all those who made the pantomime possible and for all the work put in by Players, backstage musicians, costumes (Elda Lunghi) and everyone else involved.

Suggestions were made in the Local Theatrial players pub afterwards that a production of "The Sound or Music" may be arranged for next year. The director is at this moment giving serious thought as to who will play Maria!