Cock Robin and his very merry men: Dome Studio: Review

Brian Ralfe’s traditional adult panto plays the Studio Theatre at the Dome until February 4.

Exactly how many cocks can you squeeze into one show?

The writers managed to squeeze a fair number into this production of Cock Robin and his very merry men at the Studio Theatre, Brighton Dome on Tuesday night.

I lost count of the number of cocks but the opening gag on Brian Ralfe’s sandwich board set the tone for the evening: It read: “I don’t need to have sex. The Greens fuck me every day.”

Best described as a traditional panto with loads of naughty word and double entendres, this show had it all!

“Oh no it didn’t, Oh yes it did” I can hear you scream!

It certainly did but on opening night it seemed much of it was in the wrong order. At times it was so bad it was hysterically funny with the performers handling the technical gaffs brilliantly and it seemed, making much of it up as they went along.

Maybe it was first night nerves but despite the individual performances being very strong, at times it appeared as though the company were performing in different shows on the same stage. The result was very funny.

Phil Harlequeen’s as nurse forms the backbone of the show but sadly Lee Tracy’s Maid Marion gags at times were lost due to the dodgy sound system. Friends who saw the show after me report the sound problems have now been sorted out.

Simon Grant is an innocent and convincing Cock Robin while Chris Howard as the Sheriff has a very fine singing voice and managed to get the audience booing effectively each time he came on.

Scott Virgo as Will Scarlet brings a bit of glamour to the proceeding and has lovely muscles. Mark Yarrow who had just 4 days to learn the role was a fine, bubbly and eager Little John.

Wesley Sebastian playing the fairy was oh so disciplined and his Lisa Minelli and Tina Turner impersonations were among the highlights of the evening.

Musical Director Laurence Knight held everyone together effectively and musically the show was very tight.

First night problems apart the show after a few performances will be well worth checking out.

Tickets are £19 and can be booked on 01273 709 709