There is something particularly special about watching a children’s cast take to the stage, and this production of Robin Hood was a wonderful example of just how much talent, enthusiasm and confidence young performers can bring to a show.

From the outset, the production felt well organised and ran remarkably smoothly, with no noticeable hiccups. The set was simple and minimalistic, which worked particularly well. Rather than distracting from the action, it provided an effective backdrop that allowed the cast and story to remain the focus.

The lighting was another real highlight. It was beautifully executed throughout, helping to establish the mood and tone of each scene while adding to the overall atmosphere of the production. The timing was excellent, and there were no noticeable technical issues.

The costumes were also a real highlight and helped bring the characters and story to life. They were well designed, colourful and suited the production perfectly, adding to the overall visual appeal of the show. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making sure each character looked the part.

The props were also well chosen and surprisingly realistic. One particular detail that caught my attention was the Ring of Power, which looked wonderfully sparkly under the stage lights and added a lovely touch of magic to the production.

The sound was generally clear, and the children did an excellent job of projecting their voices. There were a few moments when the sound seemed to drift slightly, and some lines were harder to hear when there was additional commotion happening on stage. However, this was only a minor issue, and overall the cast communicated confidently and clearly.

The performances themselves were a real strength of the show. While the entire cast deserves credit for the effort and commitment they brought to their roles, a few performers particularly stood out. Maid Marion was absolutely brilliant and showed an impressive level of confidence and natural ability. She is clearly a very promising young performer, and it would be wonderful to see where her talent takes her in the future.

The adult Robin Hood was also excellent and, in my opinion, perfectly cast. Together, they provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase two very talented performers, and both certainly rose to the occasion.

The comic relief was another highlight, with some genuinely entertaining moments throughout. The brief singing with the ukulele, along with Steven's contribution, brought plenty of fun and energy to the production and added to the enjoyment of the audience.

What impressed me most, however, was the confidence and commitment of the entire cast. Every performer played their part with enthusiasm, and I was particularly impressed by how well the younger children handled themselves on stage. It is no small achievement to perform in front of an audience, and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves.

The inclusion of Welsh-speaking elements was also a lovely touch. It fitted naturally into the production and added a sense of local identity, making the show feel particularly well suited to its setting.

Away from the stage, the theatre itself was clean and welcoming, with comfortable seating and a good selection of snacks and drinks available, including during the interval. These small touches helped make the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.

Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give the production is the atmosphere in the theatre. Throughout the performance, the audience appeared completely at ease and engaged. It was lovely to see families enjoying the show together, with siblings cuddling up and parents sitting back, relaxed and entertained.

Overall, Robin Hood was a thoroughly enjoyable production that showcased an impressive amount of young talent. The cast performed with confidence, energy and enthusiasm, supported by effective lighting, a well designed set, fantastic costumes and some lovely production details. There was a real sense of warmth and community throughout the evening, and it was clear how much work had gone into bringing the production to life.

A huge well done to everyone involved, including the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes. You should all be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.

- A review by Rieve Nesbitt-Marr from the Pembrokeshire Herald / Image: Chris Lloyd.