REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
Robin Hood and the Merry Men
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
12th Dec to 4th Jan 2020
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
Robin Hood and the Merry Men
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
12th Dec to 4th Jan 2020
The Diversity boys are back in town and they are not only thrilling us with the outstanding dance moves we love so much, but they are also showing off their acting skills too! Ashley Banjo plays Robin Hood alongside Peri Kiely as Will Scarlett and Jordan Banjo as the ironically named, Little John, with the rest of the Diversity gang playing the Merry Men - and oh my goodness, what epic performances these guys give. This has to be one of the best pantos I have seen in a good while, here at Southend.
The Diversity troupe never disappoint with their amazing dance routines and their performance in this panto is no exception. The audience clearly delight in their imaginative story-telling moves and Banjo's choreography is jaw-droppingly second to none.
This really must be one of the slickest pantomimes around right now, mostly thanks to the comedy antics of Kev Orkian who is the absolute lynch-pin of the production. Kev plays Simple Simon and brings the house down with his comedic skills and comedy timing. Kev is a man of many talents - he's a classically trained musician for goodness sake - but what I really didn't anticipate was just how belly-achingly funny he is and it is adorable when he gets the kids up on stage.
All the pantomime staples remain in Robin Hood, which is what we come to expect; but the skits and routines have been ramped up to a whole new level and Kev takes them directly to the top floor. Adults and children alike will be cracking up, (I was crying with laughter at some points) and Ashley, Peri and Jordan prove that they are not afraid to enter into a bit of self deprecating fun with an hilarious skit involving some saucepans and wooden spoons and again in another routine where expert timing is vital - just brilliantly executed.
Our favourite baddie, Daniel Boys, returns to Southend, this time as the naughty Sheriff of Nottingham (he was Abanazar last year) - all black eyeliner and shiny white teeth - and somehow has the ability to make us giggle even though we know we should be booing and hissing him, along with all the children in the audience. Meatloaf's Bat out of Hell has never been so literal and Daniel gets to show off his amazing vocals as he flies menacingly over the Cliff's audience; and again in Act 2 with a great Bond number, You Know My Name which frankly, I think, should be released as a single.
Lauren Chia and Gina Murray playing Maid Marion and The Spirit of Sherwood, also wow us with their stunning vocals. Lauren shows us lots of girl power and has a great opener; and Gina belts out her numbers like the true musical theatre star she is, along with the talented Jack Land Noble doing a great job doubling up as Friar Tuck and King Richard.
We really are treated to some excellent numbers this year and the ensemble, including the Expressions Theatre Arts kids also give us some great choreography to watch. I simply cannot imagine any other pantomime bringing together the amount of talent that the Cliffs Pavilion has this year. Another massive hats off, goes to the sound techies who, I am told have over 350 cues to deliver during this performance and were absolutely spot on. Qdos, have aimed high for this year's panto and hit the bullseye with a resounding thump! Grab a ticket quick - once the word gets out, tickets will be flying out the door!
Review: Kim Tobin
The Diversity troupe never disappoint with their amazing dance routines and their performance in this panto is no exception. The audience clearly delight in their imaginative story-telling moves and Banjo's choreography is jaw-droppingly second to none.
This really must be one of the slickest pantomimes around right now, mostly thanks to the comedy antics of Kev Orkian who is the absolute lynch-pin of the production. Kev plays Simple Simon and brings the house down with his comedic skills and comedy timing. Kev is a man of many talents - he's a classically trained musician for goodness sake - but what I really didn't anticipate was just how belly-achingly funny he is and it is adorable when he gets the kids up on stage.
All the pantomime staples remain in Robin Hood, which is what we come to expect; but the skits and routines have been ramped up to a whole new level and Kev takes them directly to the top floor. Adults and children alike will be cracking up, (I was crying with laughter at some points) and Ashley, Peri and Jordan prove that they are not afraid to enter into a bit of self deprecating fun with an hilarious skit involving some saucepans and wooden spoons and again in another routine where expert timing is vital - just brilliantly executed.
Our favourite baddie, Daniel Boys, returns to Southend, this time as the naughty Sheriff of Nottingham (he was Abanazar last year) - all black eyeliner and shiny white teeth - and somehow has the ability to make us giggle even though we know we should be booing and hissing him, along with all the children in the audience. Meatloaf's Bat out of Hell has never been so literal and Daniel gets to show off his amazing vocals as he flies menacingly over the Cliff's audience; and again in Act 2 with a great Bond number, You Know My Name which frankly, I think, should be released as a single.
Lauren Chia and Gina Murray playing Maid Marion and The Spirit of Sherwood, also wow us with their stunning vocals. Lauren shows us lots of girl power and has a great opener; and Gina belts out her numbers like the true musical theatre star she is, along with the talented Jack Land Noble doing a great job doubling up as Friar Tuck and King Richard.
We really are treated to some excellent numbers this year and the ensemble, including the Expressions Theatre Arts kids also give us some great choreography to watch. I simply cannot imagine any other pantomime bringing together the amount of talent that the Cliffs Pavilion has this year. Another massive hats off, goes to the sound techies who, I am told have over 350 cues to deliver during this performance and were absolutely spot on. Qdos, have aimed high for this year's panto and hit the bullseye with a resounding thump! Grab a ticket quick - once the word gets out, tickets will be flying out the door!
Review: Kim Tobin
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!
ASHLEY BANJO AND DIVERSITY WILL IGNITE THE CLIFFS PAVILION STAGE IN ROBIN HOOD AND THE MERRY MEN!
Following their record-breaking Cliffs Pavilion pantomime debut in Aladdin last year, Ashley Banjo and Diversity are back to star in this year’s festive production of Robin Hood and the Merry Men.
ASHLEY BANJO AND DIVERSITY WILL IGNITE THE CLIFFS PAVILION STAGE IN ROBIN HOOD AND THE MERRY MEN!
Following their record-breaking Cliffs Pavilion pantomime debut in Aladdin last year, Ashley Banjo and Diversity are back to star in this year’s festive production of Robin Hood and the Merry Men.
Fresh from last year’s production, which won unanimous rave reviews from audiences and critics, the boys will be back to enthral, dazzle and delight panto-goers all over again in a fantastic new production, never seen before at the Cliffs Pavilion.
Ashley Banjo will be swapping the Dancing on Ice panel for warmer climes, and lead the cast as Robin Hood, the outlandish outlaw who robs from the rich to give to the poor, ably assisted by his Diversity dance-mates who will star as the Merry Men. Together they will help outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and help Robin win the hand of the fair Maid Marion in a production packed full of dance, special effects, audience participation and plenty of family friendly comedy.
Commenting on the return of Ashley Banjo and Diversity, Theatre Director Ellen McPhillips said, “We are delighted to be welcoming back the stars of last year’s hugely successful pantomime to once again headline what is, for us, a new panto title. Robin Hood and the Merry Men is a production that we have always been keen to present in Southend and we are excited to have such a wonderful opportunity to do so with a cast that sold-out all 40 performances last year! Tickets sold so fast for 2018 that many would-be patrons found themselves in the unfortunate position of being unable to get any so we would certainly urge early booking to avoid further disappointment this Christmas.”
Ashley Banjo will be swapping the Dancing on Ice panel for warmer climes, and lead the cast as Robin Hood, the outlandish outlaw who robs from the rich to give to the poor, ably assisted by his Diversity dance-mates who will star as the Merry Men. Together they will help outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and help Robin win the hand of the fair Maid Marion in a production packed full of dance, special effects, audience participation and plenty of family friendly comedy.
Commenting on the return of Ashley Banjo and Diversity, Theatre Director Ellen McPhillips said, “We are delighted to be welcoming back the stars of last year’s hugely successful pantomime to once again headline what is, for us, a new panto title. Robin Hood and the Merry Men is a production that we have always been keen to present in Southend and we are excited to have such a wonderful opportunity to do so with a cast that sold-out all 40 performances last year! Tickets sold so fast for 2018 that many would-be patrons found themselves in the unfortunate position of being unable to get any so we would certainly urge early booking to avoid further disappointment this Christmas.”
Check out our photos from our fab photographer, Clarissa Debenham/Film Free Photography
All images below are the exclusive property of Southend Theatre Scene and Film Free Photography by Clarissa Debenham and may not be reproduced, copied, stored, downloaded or altered in any way without permission. If you are interested in Clarissa's photography please get in touch by clicking the above link
All images below are the exclusive property of Southend Theatre Scene and Film Free Photography by Clarissa Debenham and may not be reproduced, copied, stored, downloaded or altered in any way without permission. If you are interested in Clarissa's photography please get in touch by clicking the above link
Produced once again by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the award-winning team behind the annual
Cliffs Pavilion panto, Managing Director Michael Harrison said:
“Ashley and the Diversity boys are, without question, one of the UK’s finest speciality acts and we’re delighted to be bringing them back to entertain Essex audiences with their triumphant return in Robin Hood and the Merry Men. We’re already planning all sorts of magical surprises the whole family will enjoy, which will have Ashley, the boys and the audiences on their feet at every performance.“
Robin Hood and the Merry Men replaces the previously advertised production of Peter Pan and tickets are on sale now available at thecliffspavilion.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01702 351135 or visiting in person.
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend on Sea, Essex SS0 7RA
www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk
Robin Hood and the Merry Men will run from Fri 13 December 2019 - Sat 4 January 2020
Cliffs Pavilion panto, Managing Director Michael Harrison said:
“Ashley and the Diversity boys are, without question, one of the UK’s finest speciality acts and we’re delighted to be bringing them back to entertain Essex audiences with their triumphant return in Robin Hood and the Merry Men. We’re already planning all sorts of magical surprises the whole family will enjoy, which will have Ashley, the boys and the audiences on their feet at every performance.“
Robin Hood and the Merry Men replaces the previously advertised production of Peter Pan and tickets are on sale now available at thecliffspavilion.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01702 351135 or visiting in person.
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend on Sea, Essex SS0 7RA
www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk
Robin Hood and the Merry Men will run from Fri 13 December 2019 - Sat 4 January 2020
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CHECK OUT OUR HILARIOUS INTERVIEW WITH ASHLEY, JORDAN, PERRI, TERRY AND NATHAN!
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KEV ORKIAN HAD US CRACKING UP IN THIS INTERVIEW BELOW: |
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FELLOW BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT FINALIST KEV ORKIAN JOINS ASHLEY BANJO AND DIVERSITY IN THIS YEAR’S MUST-SEE CLIFFS PAVILION PANTO!
Cliffs Pavilion are delighted to announce that the internationally acclaimed, award-winning comedian Kev Orkian will be joining his fellow BGT finalists Ashley Banjo and Diversity in Robin Hood and the Merry Men as they swoop into Southend this festive season.
A renowned musician, actor and comedian, Kev has been a regular in the world of television, theatre, cabaret and pantomime for a number of years, beginning his career as a classical concert pianist, before making the transition into the world of comedy, solidifying his reputation as one of the art form’s biggest names.
His vast repertoire has seen him appear regularly alongside entertainers such as Lionel Richie, Dame Edna Everage, Matt Lucas and Katherine Jenkins and supporting some of the biggest names in UK comedy, appearing on stage across the world, including the Sydney Opera House, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and Windsor Castle, by Royal Appointment.
He also starred in the West End in Fame at the Victoria Palace Theatre, and subsequent roles in Me and My Girl, Grease, Buddy and Boogie Nights. Taking the leap from musical theatre to comedy, Kev has been a regular on the touring circuit ever since and often appears at London’s most prestigious comedy venues. In 2010 he became a finalist of ITV’s hit show Britain’s Got Talent, a year after his pantomime co-stars Ashley Banjo and Diversity won.
Since then Kev has gone on to tour the world with his shows, including his Illegal Tour, The Guilty Pianist and headlined for 14 sell-out shows in Las Vegas and received private invitations to perform in front of HRH Prince Philip, HRH Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and members of Royal Families across the globe.
A regular in pantomime, Kev has appeared the length and breadth of the country in various comedy roles, starring alongside Wendi Peters, Samantha Womack, Paul Nicholas, Warwick Davis and Priscilla Presley. In 2005 he starred as Muddles in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion and Robin Hood and the Merry Men will see his welcome return some fourteen years later.
Kev will join Ashley Banjo and Diversity (as previously announced) in a brand-new pantomime title for Cliffs Pavilion which will see the stage transformed into rural Nottingham and see our dashing hero and his Merry Men rob from the rich, give to the poor, win the hand of the fair Maid Marion and provide plenty of fancy footwork, hilarious comedy, plenty of audience participation and jaw-dropping special effects for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
Commenting on this addition to the cast, Cliffs Pavilion Theatre Director Ellen McPhillips said: “With the addition of this hilariously funny and imaginative comedian to the cast of this year’s pantomime, the Cliffs Pavilion truly has a massively strong line-up to suit all tastes. With Ashley Banjo and Diversity headlining the show is guaranteed to contain lots of spectacular dance routines and with Kev Orkian now confirmed as the comic element we are also guaranteed the side-splitting humour that so often characterises our pantomimes. If anyone is in anyway uncertain of this I would strongly recommend that they view the YouTube clips of his appearances on Britain’s Got Talent!”
Tickets for Robin Hood and the Merry Men are on sale now available at thecliffspavilion.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01702 351135 or visiting in person.
Cliffs Pavilion are delighted to announce that the internationally acclaimed, award-winning comedian Kev Orkian will be joining his fellow BGT finalists Ashley Banjo and Diversity in Robin Hood and the Merry Men as they swoop into Southend this festive season.
A renowned musician, actor and comedian, Kev has been a regular in the world of television, theatre, cabaret and pantomime for a number of years, beginning his career as a classical concert pianist, before making the transition into the world of comedy, solidifying his reputation as one of the art form’s biggest names.
His vast repertoire has seen him appear regularly alongside entertainers such as Lionel Richie, Dame Edna Everage, Matt Lucas and Katherine Jenkins and supporting some of the biggest names in UK comedy, appearing on stage across the world, including the Sydney Opera House, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and Windsor Castle, by Royal Appointment.
He also starred in the West End in Fame at the Victoria Palace Theatre, and subsequent roles in Me and My Girl, Grease, Buddy and Boogie Nights. Taking the leap from musical theatre to comedy, Kev has been a regular on the touring circuit ever since and often appears at London’s most prestigious comedy venues. In 2010 he became a finalist of ITV’s hit show Britain’s Got Talent, a year after his pantomime co-stars Ashley Banjo and Diversity won.
Since then Kev has gone on to tour the world with his shows, including his Illegal Tour, The Guilty Pianist and headlined for 14 sell-out shows in Las Vegas and received private invitations to perform in front of HRH Prince Philip, HRH Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and members of Royal Families across the globe.
A regular in pantomime, Kev has appeared the length and breadth of the country in various comedy roles, starring alongside Wendi Peters, Samantha Womack, Paul Nicholas, Warwick Davis and Priscilla Presley. In 2005 he starred as Muddles in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion and Robin Hood and the Merry Men will see his welcome return some fourteen years later.
Kev will join Ashley Banjo and Diversity (as previously announced) in a brand-new pantomime title for Cliffs Pavilion which will see the stage transformed into rural Nottingham and see our dashing hero and his Merry Men rob from the rich, give to the poor, win the hand of the fair Maid Marion and provide plenty of fancy footwork, hilarious comedy, plenty of audience participation and jaw-dropping special effects for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
Commenting on this addition to the cast, Cliffs Pavilion Theatre Director Ellen McPhillips said: “With the addition of this hilariously funny and imaginative comedian to the cast of this year’s pantomime, the Cliffs Pavilion truly has a massively strong line-up to suit all tastes. With Ashley Banjo and Diversity headlining the show is guaranteed to contain lots of spectacular dance routines and with Kev Orkian now confirmed as the comic element we are also guaranteed the side-splitting humour that so often characterises our pantomimes. If anyone is in anyway uncertain of this I would strongly recommend that they view the YouTube clips of his appearances on Britain’s Got Talent!”
Tickets for Robin Hood and the Merry Men are on sale now available at thecliffspavilion.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01702 351135 or visiting in person.
DANIEL BOYS returns to Southend's Cliffs Pavilion to play the Sheriff of Nottingham
Daniel trained at the Guildford School of Acting. His West End and London credits include Marvin in Falsettos (The Other Palace); Donald in The Boys in the Band (Park Theatre, national tour and transfer to Vaudeville Theatre); Potts in Miss Atomic Bomb (The Other Palace); Sir Lancelot in Spamalot (Playhouse); Princeton and Rod in Avenue Q (Gielgud and Noel Coward – winner of the 2009 Theatregoers Choice Award for Best Takeover in a Role); Austin in I Love You Because (Landor); Roger in Grease (Victoria Palace); Mark (alternate) in Rent (Prince of Wales and national tour); Anthony in Sweeney Todd (Royal Festival Hall); Jason in Ordinary Days and Christian in Wolfboy (both at the Trafalgar Studios).
His other theatre credits include Mr Maddens in Nativity! (Birmingham Rep and UK tour); Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (Theatr Clwyd); Oliver in Love Story (Bolton Octagon); Colin in The Opinion Makers (Mercury Colchester and Derby Playhouse); Mike Connor in High Society (national tour); Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (Theatre Royal, Windsor); Peter in Peter Pan - The Musical (Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin); Mark in Rent (European tour); Morino in Sunset Boulevard (national tour); Tony in West Side Story (European tour) and Parson Nathanial (standby) in The War Of The Worlds (national tour).
Daniel’s television and film credits include Endeavour (ITV); Nativity Rocks! (Mirrorball Films); Holby City (BBC); Fall Out (Crowded Pictures); Little Man (Peccadillo Pictures) and Any Dream Will Do (BBC 1). In concert he has toured and sung with Michael Ball, Hayley Westenra and John Barrowman and further concert work has taken him to Los Angeles, Bangkok, Chicago, Adelaide and Sydney, performing with some of the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors. As well releasing his own album So Close and being heard on several cast recordings, Daniel also recorded a track for Disney, ‘The World is Something You Imagine’, which is currently being played in all their stores worldwide. Between 2013 and 2015 he could be heard singing the iconic theme tune for the Australian soap Neighbours.
Daniel’s pantomime credits include, Abanazar in Aladdin (Cliffs Pavilion, Southend), Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk (Theatre Royal, Nottingham); Prince Simon in Snow White (Gordon Craig, Stevenage); the title roles in Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk (Wyvern, Swindon) and Muddles in Snow White (Buxton Opera House).
His other theatre credits include Mr Maddens in Nativity! (Birmingham Rep and UK tour); Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (Theatr Clwyd); Oliver in Love Story (Bolton Octagon); Colin in The Opinion Makers (Mercury Colchester and Derby Playhouse); Mike Connor in High Society (national tour); Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (Theatre Royal, Windsor); Peter in Peter Pan - The Musical (Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin); Mark in Rent (European tour); Morino in Sunset Boulevard (national tour); Tony in West Side Story (European tour) and Parson Nathanial (standby) in The War Of The Worlds (national tour).
Daniel’s television and film credits include Endeavour (ITV); Nativity Rocks! (Mirrorball Films); Holby City (BBC); Fall Out (Crowded Pictures); Little Man (Peccadillo Pictures) and Any Dream Will Do (BBC 1). In concert he has toured and sung with Michael Ball, Hayley Westenra and John Barrowman and further concert work has taken him to Los Angeles, Bangkok, Chicago, Adelaide and Sydney, performing with some of the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors. As well releasing his own album So Close and being heard on several cast recordings, Daniel also recorded a track for Disney, ‘The World is Something You Imagine’, which is currently being played in all their stores worldwide. Between 2013 and 2015 he could be heard singing the iconic theme tune for the Australian soap Neighbours.
Daniel’s pantomime credits include, Abanazar in Aladdin (Cliffs Pavilion, Southend), Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk (Theatre Royal, Nottingham); Prince Simon in Snow White (Gordon Craig, Stevenage); the title roles in Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk (Wyvern, Swindon) and Muddles in Snow White (Buxton Opera House).