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With just over a month to go, it must that its time for the very kind annual invite to the Congregational Hall to witness the preparations for the Wivenhoe Pantomime. Oh no it’s not! Blah blah blah…

Actually, yes it is. Production for Robin Hood has been in full swing behind the scenes for over four months now. The script-writing process put in place by Hazel Humphreys dates back to sometime around Valentine’s Day – a true labour of love, ‘n all that.

Wednesday evening at the Congregational Hall witnessed some splendid pantomime chaos. The chorus line of the young folk were enthusiastically running through a hyperlocal rap, more seasoned pantomime dames were in the kitchen camping it up. Director @MatthewLinely was commanding the Congregational Hall, unprompted, and without notes yet somehow pulling the strings in all the right places.

Matt explained how this time of year is when the overall vision for the Wivenhoe Pantomime just about starts to come together. All of the stand-alone scenes somehow become joined, and the whole flow and pace of the show becomes clear for the volunteer team involved.

I sat in a corner of the Congregational Hall, trying to remain composed, but laughing wildly within, knowing that Wivenhoe won’t be disappointed come Showtime.

All the hyperlocal references were there. I don’t think that I am dropping too many spoilers when I say that the Sheriff of Nottage-ham (aha!) will have you booing from the comfort of the Loveless Hall stalls; likewise who needs Sherwood Forest when you have, um, Wivenhoe Wood?

The rehearsals were as intense as they were thigh slapping. I didn’t want to lurk for too long, but it became instantly clear as to how much natural talent that we are blessed with here in Wivenhoe.

Make no mistake – the Wivenhoe Pantomime is a semi-professional production in all but name. Cast members such as Shane Diggens have the theatre literally running through their blood; Hazel is a natural writer and performer. Director Matt Linley meanwhile hotfoots it straight off the train and the day job of… theatrical management, and straight into the hot seat of the Congregational Hall.

The entire cast deserves to break a leg, in the nicest possible sense.

The Wivenhoe Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the William Loveless Hall [where else?] from Wednesday 18th January to Saturday 21st January 2012 with shows at 7.30pm. There’s also a Saturday matinee performance at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from the High Street Post Office or Premier Stores at the Cross, priced £4.50 (£4 concessions) for Wednesday & Thursday evening, and £6 for Friday and Saturday.