A NORTH Yorkshire village was subjected to the wicked deeds of the Sheriff of Nottingham, forcing Robin Hood and his Merry Men to save the day.

Chris Mellor, playing the Sheriff with devious intent, and aided by Cathy Byard as his inept but hilarious servant, Dogberry, helped bring Kirkby Fleetham Players’ latest pantomime to life in a typically enjoyable production.

Nicky Lloyd and Barbara Shirt, performing as Robin on alternate performances, brought the necessary thigh-slapping charisma to attract the attentions of Maid Marion, played with comic aplomb by Maggie Lambert.

Giles Christie, Roy Gell, George Ratcliffe and Phil Mason, as the Merry Men, were joined by a glamorous outlass, Philippa Mann, who was more likely to be brandishing a handbag than a bow and arrow. Dave Tarlton-Hodgson was typically outrageous as Dame Euphonia, while Paul Arrowsmith played Lord Knowse with a more dignified presence.

Holding things together was Friar Tuck, played by Richard Mann, while Kath Burgin made a notable Kirkby Fleetham pantomime debut as Ruth the Sooth and the pub landlord. Also playing two roles was Steven Peirson as the intractable French Chef and Richard the Lionheart, both bringing cheers from the audience, as indeed did dedicated followers of fashion, Amanda Peirson and Emily Martin, as Cedric and Cecil.

Village pantomimes are great vehicles for younger performers and Kirsty Arrowsmith, Naomi Byard, Cora MacMillan and Lauren and Lucy Christie gave fine performances. Making an impressive debut was Lucy Shirt as an energetic dancing rabbit.

Songs and dancing were highlights of the show, all inventively choreographed by Tracey Bacon. It was Valentine’s weekend so the show ended with All You Need is Love, led by Kirsty Arrowsmith’s beautiful singing.

As always, the cast was supported by a talented crew. Atmospheric lighting and sounds were created by Craig Hoyland and by Derek Sharpe’s excellent keyboards, complemented by terrific backdrops, painted by Kath MacKenzie, and excellent props created by Mike Dillon. Superb hand-made costumes by Susie Christie and Jane Ratcliffe (Jane also finding time to be prompter) were enhanced by Ginny Dick and Karen Stephenson’s make-up.

Also working behind the scenes to make the show a success were Ally Tarlton-Hodgson, Anthony Barker, Karl Peacock, Diana Lucas, Carol Paxton and Adam Dick.

Director Helen Mason and producer Sue Gell have set a high standard over recent years and their professional approach has, once again, given the audiences great entertainment.

As for the Sheriff of Nottingham, he escaped to the Continent where he’s now running the European Union.

Phil Mason