Theatre Review: Outlawed at Nonsuch Studios

I was looking forward to this show, having not experienced anything like this before – an adult pantomime. There were no preconceived ideas. I didn't know what to expect except the obvious – adult humour. But what that looked like, I did not know. 

I was confident I would meet Robin, Marian, Friar Tuck'd and the Sheriff. I'd hoped I get the opportunity to boo him, as I would in a family pantomime. Only time would tell, and it did.

Before entering the stage area, we were greeted with a warning on the door – of loud noises, nudity, and the threat of audience participation. This was reiterated verbally by the staff when the doors opened.

It was an intimate, warm setting. The stage was smaller than I had expected. The back wall was draped with glittery red fabric, which helped to create an inviting atmosphere along with music played by (we discovered later) Little John.

First to the stage were Robin and Marion, who invited us to their cabaret at the Major Oak. The show contained adult jokes, as you would expect – sexual innuendoes and some openly sexual references that you would clearly understand. They weren't subtle as they would be in a family pantomime. However, they were funny.

The show contained jokes about the Nottingham and Derby rivalry – again, funny. However, I found the jokes about Christianity and Jesus challenging and am not sure they were necessary.

I liked the audience participation and how the areas around the seating were used. We were actively encouraged to participate; a few audience members even had minor roles. I liked the characters, but the Sheriff was my favourite, which was entirely unexpected because of the traditional tale. A talented actor and a strong singer.

I was expecting burlesque but was still determining who would do it throughout the first half. During the second half, Friar Tuck'd showed skill, agility and strength in the artistic performance.

Included in the show were songs by Queen and Elvis. There were also Madonna's Like a Prayer, One Way or Another, Candy Shop, Wasn't It Good, Beyonce's Single Ladies, and many more. Some were sung, others mimed or sang over. There was salsa, body popping and many other dance moves. The story started in Nottingham, then Derby and then back to Nottingham.

I've got to say, apart from jokes about Christianity, I really enjoyed the show. I would recommend it but be aware it's nothing like a family pantomime, even though I did get to boo The Sherriff.

Outlawed plays at Nonsuch Studios from 6 December 2023 until 22 December 2023