MERRY men will be boosted by girl power for Rugby Theatre’s pantomime, which opens tonight (January 12) for a 13-performance run.
Robin Hood and his Merry Men features former professional actress Deita Hubbard in the title role, and is directed by Emma Bright.
Musical director is Caroline Tavinor, Carrie Bianco teams up with Neil Barnacle to choreograph the show, while Teresa Holborow is in charge behind the scenes as stage manager.
Emma, herself an accomplished leading lady at the theatre, said: “We love traditional pantos at Rugby Theatre, and this year’s Robin Hood and his Merry Men will be no exception.
“Deita’s a perfect Principal Boy as Robin, and we have others who, in true panto style, swap gender, including Kirsty Bright as Will Scarlett and Anna Sampson as Alan A Dale.
“However, we do balance things up – Peter Privett is playing Mary, our traditional panto Dame.
“It won’t be as confusing at it sounds when people see the show – it’s one of those wonderful crazy things about panto that us Brits just seem to understand!”
She added she was pleased to have brought together a ‘brilliant’ cast, who have had a great time in rehearsals.”
“There are lots of other Rugby Theatre favourites to cheer and boo,” she said. “Mark Baird is the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham, and my lovely husband Kevin ─ who also wrote this panto ─ is Little John.
“Michele Goode is playing the part of Weasel in the comedy duo with Natalie Gibson as her sidekick Stoat.”
The production runs until Sunday January 21, including four matinees. There is no show on Tuesday, January 16.
Visit www.rugbytheatre.co.uk or call 01788 541234 for more information.
