The simple reason I’m giving ‘Robin Hood’ a standing ovation-worthy label: it’s fun, hilarious, and silly. It’s precisely what we need right now to keep us laughing in a world full of issues of all kinds.
Director Mary Frances Moore and her creative team gift audiences with more laughter this Christmas and holiday season. She, playwright Matt Murray, Music Director Mark Camilleri, and Choreographer Jennifer Mote hilariously spoof one of the most famous tales of classic folklore, Robin Hood, through song and dance, demonstrating sharp and precise skill. There is much to admire about the production – from engaging the kids in audience participation to Mote’s visually striking, sharply performed dance routines, and Camilleri’s well-chosen songs, which had many of us nodding along in time.
Designer Brian Kenny’s meticulous attention to balance the sound between the musicians and singers so that each song’s lyrics are heard is exceptional. Cameron Fraser’s stunning projection design of waterfalls and flying birds, combined with Brandon Kleiman’s vividly colourful, grand set design, transports the audience to historic Roncesvalleshire.
Dressed in Ming Wong’s eye-catching, impressive medieval costumes made of textured fabrics and bold colours, highlighted by Bonnie Beecher’s brightly focused lighting, the storybook world of Robin Hood is winningly brought to life in a gender-bending, panto-style satire. As a small business owner of Robin’s Hoods, the entrepreneuse (Julia Pulo) is proud of her locally made hoodies, but is quite the taskmaster with her workers, who all quit in protest.
Robin faces a dilemma. Should she rely on the mega-conglomerate Glamazon to speed up her hoodie deliveries and grow her business? Will Glamazon’s bad guy interim CEO, Prince John (a fantastic Damien Atkins), help Robin achieve her goals? Without revealing too much of the plot, the scheming Prince John might be pursuing his own selfish, narcissistic agenda to control everything. Prince John’s relative Marion (Praneet Akilla) begins to develop romantic feelings for Robin.
Several characters journey along with Robin: her nursemaid Sparkle Bum (fantastic comic work by Daniel Williston), Little John (marvellous dancer Julius Sermonia), and Friar Tuck (Eddie Glen) become part of the plan to journey through High Park Forest to set things right and stop the evil Prince John’s plans to inflict devastation on Roncesvalleshire.
Julia Pulo lights up the stage as the central character. Her Robin Hood is bubbly, sweet, and eventually learns to stand up for herself. Pulo is also one hell of a singer and dancer, having appeared in Mirvish’s production of Six a few years ago. Damien Atkins comes dangerously close to stealing the show for his dastardly Prince John. Having seen Atkins’ work last in Crow’s thrilling Octet this past fall. In Robin Hood, Atkins seems to have the time of his life, relishing those moments with his sardonic laugh as he kibbutzes with the kids throughout the show.
Daniel Williston is a welcome addition to CanStage’s panto family as Robin’s sassy, savvy and glittery nursemaid, Sparkle Bum. Williston gloriously struts and sashays with flirtatious grandeur and style. As Robin’s love interest, Marion, Praneet Akilla’s ruggedly handsome, swarthy look complements his solid performance as a man who’s playing both sides.’ You’ll understand what that means when you see the show. As loyal ‘friends to the end of time’, Eddie Glen’s Friar Tuck becomes a fond reminder of the all-knowing Radar O’Reilly from MASH (how old am I?). Julius Sermonia’s Little John is witty and can perform a pirouette with an ease and flourish that makes it understandable why he has become a staple of the musical theatre at the Stratford Festival.
Attention must also be paid to ensemble performers Kyle Brown, Malinda Carroll, Cara Huntre, Jean-Paul Parker, Jordan Bell and Sierra Holder. These highly talented individuals play a variety of characters from Prince John’s guards to residents of High Park Forest. What’s also impressive about this ensemble? They move set pieces around the Winter Garden stage with a theatrical flourish and ease.
The one thing to remember about a panto – there are times when one of the actors may break character momentarily because it becomes so ludicrous that one cannot help but laugh. It’s all part of the fun, and audiences must expect that it can happen a few times.
It did in Act Two between Damien Atkins’ Prince John and Kyle Brown’s guard in a moment involving a stale cookie. The latter did his best to remain in character at all times; however, it’s the taunting look that Atkins gives to Brown that I’m sure had not been planned at all that sparked so much laughter.
Ah, to be able to laugh heartily at this time of year. That’s what we should all be doing with family and friends.
Take that opportunity to see Robin Hood and have that good belly laugh.
Running time: approximately two hours with one interval/intermission.
The production runs to January 4, 2026, at The Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge Street. For tickets: canadianstage.com or call (416) 368-3110.
CANADIAN STAGE PRODUCTIONS, in association with the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres, present
Robin Hood: A Very Family Musical by Matt Murray
Directed by Mary Francis Moore
Musical Director, Orchestrator and Arranger, Additional Compositions: Mark Camilleri
Choreographer/Movement Director: Jennifer Mote
Set Designer: Brandon Kleiman
Costume Designer: Ming Wong
Lighting Designer: Bonnie Beecher
Sound Designer: Brian Kenny
Projection Designer: Cameron Fraser
Stage Manager: Loralie Pollard
Musicians: Mark Camilleri, Peter Bleakney, David Gray, Steve Heathcote, Michael Vieira
Performers: Praneet Akilla, Damien Atkins, Jordan Bell, Kyle Brown, Malinda Carroll, Eddie Glen, Sierra Holder, Cara Hunter, Julia Pulo, Jean-Paul Parker, Julius Sermonia, Daniel Williston
