Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at Nottingham Playhouse

Last weekend we were invited to see the opening night of this year's pantomime at the Nottingham Playhouse, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

You may remember last year we were invited to see Cinderella; it was the first time my children had seen the Christmas panto and it was such a wonderful experience, so I was really looking forward to seeing it again this year.

As the curtains were raised, the dancers twirled across the stage dressed as the woodland creature residents of Sherwood Forest. Immediately, my daughters face lit up just the same as last year.

Hailing from Nottingham, Robin Hood is naturally a huge part of our cultural history, so this particular panto was always going to be hit with residents of the city.

The costumes were wonderful and the actors all bought their own element of excitement and humour, and with audience participation a must (otherwise you might just get taken on stage) the show was thoroughly enjoyed by us all.

John Elkington once again bought the panto dame to life as Nurse Nelly Noggins, he is hilarious and keeps the audience amused with his quick wit and great humour, Robin Kingsland was the perfect baddie and had us all booing as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

There were lots of modern songs to keep it entertaining for all ages, they even got us dancing at one point. It really is the best way to get into the festive mood and with Christmas songs interspersed throughout, it was hard not to get into the spirit of the season.

I don’t want to spoil it by giving away the songs so I won’t, all I can say is that the show is well worth the money and it is by far my new favourite tradition.

The panto runs until 19th January and there relaxed performances, dementia-friendly and BSL-signed performances still to come. And with seats to suit all budgets, it really is accessible to all.

I can also highly recommend The Elves and The Shoemaker in the Neville Studio next door. Aimed at children from 3-8, we have been to these shows the last few years and they are an absolutely amazing immersive experience for the children and a great way to get them into theatre.

We were given two complimentary tickets to the show for the purpose of this review, all words and opinions are my own. Photos by Nottingham Playhouse

Dressing Up with Pretend To Bee

World Book Day is upon us and it always seems to put the fear of god into some parents, whether you choose to make a costume or buy one, it doesn’t have to be difficult. It is all about choosing an outfit from a story you love reading with your children.

Ours have been, the rat from The Highway Rat, the witch from Room on the Broom as well as George from Georges Marvellous Medicines.

This year though we have been sent some wonderful outfits from Pretend to Bee, this fab local company have some wonderful outfits, not just for World Book Day but for dressing up at any time.

I
n our house my daughter can often be found dressing up in some of her outfits, just last weekend we went to Drayton Manor and she was dressed in her Thomas the Tank Engine Outfit.

Dressing up engages the imagination and allows children to be explore life through a different lens, it helps with self-confidence and my son who is currently attending Stagecoach Drama school loves dressing up.

Whether it is a princess, lion, robin hood or a robot Pretend to Bee have something for everyone and every occasion.

This year my daughter is going to be the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, with the release of Through the Looking Glass later this year it is the perfect time dressing up as the wonderful characters from this book and soon to be film.

The dress we were sent is really quite pretty and unusual, I love the detailing on the front and the fit around the back looks really lovely with the high neck.

For my son he is going as a possibly more untraditional character, however this character does feature in several of the books that we have read over the years from Each Peach Pear Plum to the one he has been reading with his Dad recently, Robin Hood and the Silver Arrow. 

Being from Nottingham this character has always played a huge part in our lives and so this outfit will be well used and loved, my son absolutely loved the arm guard and money purse which he immediately popped some of his money in and then found a sword he already had.

The outfits themselves are quite unique and they not something like you'd find on the high street, the little attentions to detail such as the chain mail on the arm, the velvet trousers and belt with purse and scabbard set off the outfit. 

With plenty more to chose from, there is something for all tastes, like this fab Thunderbirds outfit perfect for any little international rescue wannabes.

Or how about this, perfect for spring and summer butterfly outfit, this wonderfully bright costume would look great at a summer party or for just playing in the garden.

Whatever your child wants to be i'm sure you'll find something for them at Pretend to Bee.

NB: We were sent the outfits to form this review, all words and opinions are my own.