Robin Hood of Mabira Forest

Last week I got a dose of the arts with a trip to the theatre for a Christmas Pantomime, the one, the only, “Robin Hood of Mabira Forest.”

Before everyone starts picturing silent actors with white gloves trying to get out of their imaginary boxes (guilty), let me quote from the program. “Pantomime is a very British tradition. It has a number of essential ingredients. First, the plot always re-tells a traditional children’s story. Second, the hero (the “principal boy”) is always played by a young woman and there is always a part set aside for a large older woman (the “dame”), played by a male actor…Third, audience participation is an absolute requirement in pantomime – it contributes enormously to the fun. Fourth, there must be song, dance and more than a little slapstick.”

RHOMF had all of the above, including a running boda-boda scooting across the stage (and an hour-late start, in true “Kampalaham” fashion). The 5/9 of us gung-ho enough to stay til the end had the added pleasure of, well, saying we stayed til the end.

We were all really glad Mer got there early and reserved seats. It almost sold out.