Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
It’s that time again … oh, yes it is!
That time when all Brits have to explain the concept to locals, as well as our expat cousins from Asia, North America and the rest of Europe, how the lead male character is a woman dressed as a man, the dame is a fella playing an ugly woman and the audience has to hiss and boo loudly every time the nasty rogue of the piece steps out on stage (with the help of a child holding a prop, of course) as he insults everyone in the house.
Take it from me, it is serious fun, folks, and no-one does it better than the motley crew who make up MTC, the Brit Club’s drama section.
At a weekend press preview before tonight’s opening show of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, the cast (supported by cute and talented children) were on scintillating, rip-roaring, rib-hugging form … and they were only just getting warmed up!
Producer Hannah Lynch and director Carrie Lunt-Bell have completely captured Robin Bailes and Jonathan Hales’ hilarious traditional family pantomime romp.
Coming audiences are sure to delight over the quality of the quips from the Muppets-inspired grumpy old men (two Mikes taking the mickey, Eddison and Franklin) who sit in the posh seats.
And Khaled Al Doseri is in inspired form as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham and has a stare to send shivers down your spine and a devilish delivery throughout. Truly top notch, as is Dame Jemima Gusset, played to perfection by Mike Jackson.
Marvellous Maid Marian (Sowsan Hassan) and Robin Hood (Bethany Malcolm) are also on song and offer pitch perfect vocals throughout and the faces on guards Rancid (Stephanie Sutton) and Putrid (Katherine Willis) are worth the entry fee alone.
There’s mirth and merriment by the bucket load, lots of jibes only residents on the island will get, although I’m not sure all the digs at the Dilly’s expense are fair, you shouldn’t kick a club when it’s down.
And my Nottingham Forest supporter pal had better be warned too. What’s the difference between Forest and a teabag? Answer … find out at the show!
– Stan Szecowka
The panto runs until Saturday and opens tonight at 7pm with matinees at 3pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are priced BD5 for members and BD7 for guests and are available from the club’s reception in Mahooz, Craftzania (Nakheel Centre, Saar), Sage & Sirloin (Hamala) and Words Bookstore Cafe (Budaiya Highway). Call 17728245 for more details.
