CONTENTS An introduction to Pantomime and Robin Hood 2

The Origins of Robin Hood 3

The Tales of Robin Hood 4-5

Synopsis 6

Themes in Robin Hood and Pantomime 7

Where does Pantomime Come From? 8-10

Who will you meet in a traditional Pantomime? 11-12

Who will you meet in our Robin Hood Pantomime? 13

Traditions 14

What does it take to put on a Panto? 15-16

Interview with……………………….. 17

Activities for the Classroom 18

What do you expect? 18-19

Tell us a Story 20-22

Tell us what you thought 23-25

Funtime Activities 26-28

AN INTRODUCTION TO PANTOMIME AND ROBIN HOOD

Robin Hood is not one of the stories that is regularly made into a Pantomime but more and more often theatres are looking for ways to give well known myths, legends and family stories, such as Peter Pan and Robin Hood, the Pantomime treatment. This means building in all of the traditions and characters that audiences expect to see at Pantomime whilst also telling a familiar story to the audience. The pantomimes are usually based on a classic fairy tale, first published in 1697 in the collection, Contes de ma Mere l’Oye, or “Tales of Mother Goose”, called, La Belle au Bois Dormant, or “The Beauty Asleep in the Woods”. It was written by Charles Perrault. There were earlier versions of a similar stories but J. R. R Tolkien, author of Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit, said that if you ask people today to name a fairy tale they will, most likely, name one of the eight stories in Perrault’s collection for example, Cinderalla or Sleeping Beauty. Some people think that fairy stories are more suited to younger girls and recently theatre are thinking of all the ways they can to put on a Pantomime that is fun for everyone; boys, girls, mums, dad’s and grandparents. If you try to explain Pantomime to a person from another country you might find it quite difficult as it really only exists in the United Kingdom. Often audience members from other countries are quite confused by the whole thing but for British people it is such a big part of our cultural life that most adults in the country will have seen at least one and will know all the traditions and responses. If you have seen, or are going to see, our Pantomime this year you are going to be part of a huge piece of our national history.

THE ORIGINS OF ROBIN HOOD

Robin is famous for his gallantry, robbing the rich to feed the poor and fighting against injustice and tyranny which makes him a perfect central character for a Pantomime. Anyone who knows of Robin has also heard the stories of his outlaw band. The names of Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marion, Allan a Dale, Will Scarlet, Much the Miller and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham are as much a part of the legend as Robin Hood himself.

The stories of Robin portray him as a fearless outlaw leading his band of "merry men" (and women) against the tyranny of Prince John, The Sheriff of Nottingham and Sir Guy of Gisbourne. A brilliant archer, Robin lived a life of adventure - poaching the King's deer from the outlaws' retreat in Sherwood Forest. Stories about the adventures of Robin have been told and retold for over six hundred years. In Robin's time, few people could read or write and consequently little was written down about the exploits of our hero. Instead, people learnt about Robin and his band through the ballad and song of wandering minstrels.

The Tales of Robin Hood

Many stories were later written down about Robin and his Merry Men and may be familiar to us. Here are just a few examples.

Robin and the KnigRobin and the KnigRobin and the KnigRobin and the Knight:ht:ht:ht:

In which Robin saves an impoverished Knight from losing his lands to the Abbot of St. Mary's in York.

Robin and the Potter:Robin and the Potter:Robin and the Potter:Robin and the Potter:

Where Robin, disguised as a potter, tricks the Sheriff of Nottingham into travelling to Sherwood Forest where the Outlaws capture him.

Robin and the Silver Arrow:Robin and the Silver Arrow:Robin and the Silver Arrow:Robin and the Silver Arrow:

In which Robin wins the archery contest set up to trap him by the Sheriff of Nottingham.

This information was sourced at http://www.robinhood.info/robinhood/legend.html

Robin Hood and the MonkRobin Hood and the MonkRobin Hood and the MonkRobin Hood and the Monk (The * symbols are markers used in one of the schools worksheets at the end of this activity pack.) It was WhitsuntideWhitsuntideWhitsuntideWhitsuntide in the Greenwood and the sounds of the forest mingled with scent of a May morning. Robin Hood was in a sombre sombre sombre sombre mood as he stood reflectively gazingreflectively gazingreflectively gazingreflectively gazing into the greenery. **** His only thought was that he had not attended matinsmatinsmatinsmatins for a fortnight and he declared to his men that he would go henceforthhenceforthhenceforthhenceforth to Nottingham alone so that he could make his peace with God. He did not heed heed heed heed the advice of Much the Miller's son to take "twelve well armed strong yeomenyeomenyeomenyeomen" and when he arrived he entered St. Mary’s Church without disguise in full view of the congregationcongregationcongregationcongregation. Instantly, he was recognised by a treacheroustreacheroustreacheroustreacherous monk who called for the City gates to be shut and warned the Sheriff of Nottingham that the King’s enemy was in the town.

The Tales of Robin Hood * * * * Gathering a large company of men, the Sheriff rushed to the church and confronted a surprised Robin. A great fight ensuedensuedensuedensued with Robin swiftly despatchingdespatchingdespatchingdespatching twelve of the Sheriff’s men and wounding many more until finally he broke his two handed sword over the head of the Sheriff himself. AlasAlasAlasAlas, Robin was finally captured and thrown into Nottingham prison. News of Robin’s capture travelled back to Sherwood Forest and the outlawsoutlawsoutlawsoutlaws were deeply distressed. Only Little John kept his head and put faith in the power of the Virgin Mary to keep Robin safe. Little John set off with Much the Miller’s son and eventually spied the Monk. After tricking the Monk, who was taking the news of Robin’s capture from the Sheriff to the King, Little John and Much killed him and went themselves to London on the Monk’s business. The King gave the pair an award and a warrantwarrantwarrantwarrant and sent them back to Nottingham to collect Robin Hood under guard and send him back to London unharmed. ****On returning to Nottingham they found the gates shut and the town swarming with guards as the sheriff tried to protect the prize he had locked up in his dungeon. Little John quickly showed the King’s warrant and was granted granted granted granted admittaadmittaadmittaadmittancencencence to Nottingham. Now, with a free run of the Sheriff’s quartersquartersquartersquarters, Little John and Much headed straight for the cells and tricked the jailer into opening the jail door. Robin was released and armed with a good sword. Then they made their way to a low wall and jumped down into the forest. * * * * At cockcrow cockcrow cockcrow cockcrow the next morning, the Sheriff found the dead jailer and ordered his men to search every street and alley for the fugitivefugitivefugitivefugitive outlaws. But to no availno availno availno avail as Robin and his men were already safe and sound back in Sherwood Forest. The King realised he had been tricked by Little John and left the Sheriff in peace as he realised that Little John had made fools of them all. The outlaws lived on to fight another day.

SYNOPSIS

For a Pantomime the writer will take the main points and themes of the story and try to find way to make it new and fun. It is also important that they mould the story to include some of the traditional elements of Pantomime. Some elements of the script will change the week before the Pantomime, during rehearsals but here is an outline of the story so far. ______________?????????

THEMES IN ROBIN HOOD AND PANTOMIME

LoveLoveLoveLove In most Pantomimes and the stories they are based on there is a love story, be it Cinderella and her Prince Charming or Aladdin and his Princess, this is almost always a theme in Panto. Quite often they will talk of ‘true love’ and most Pantomimes show us love at first site and promote the idea that there is one special person out there for everyone. Your very own Prince Charming or Maid Marion. On top of this there is usually a reason why the hero (the main character) and their love interest can’t be together. In Cinderella her poverty and the mean ugly sisters make her romance with the prince almost impossible. In Robin Hood Maid Marion is a noblewoman and he is an outlaw. They are, it seems, on opposite sides. This is where the main theme of love in pantomime comes in – LOVE CONQUERS ALL. Lastly, love is always a part of Panto because it is a feel good form of entertainment and just as in real life and on television, we all love a good romance. Overcoming HardshipOvercoming HardshipOvercoming HardshipOvercoming Hardship The fairy stories on which many Pantomimes are based often had a moral element. The original versions of fairy stories often involved terrible consequences for the ‘bad’ characters. For example, the ugly sisters are so greedy in the original Cinderella story or “Ashputtle” as it was called, that they cut off their own toes to fit their feet into the glass slipper. In the opposite direction the main moral of these stories was that if you work hard and are good and kind to people then you will win out in the end. The baddie is always a big part of this and in Robin Hood his constant belief in doing good is shown in comparison to the Sherriff of Nottingham’s greed and cruelty. However, in Panto world it is always the hero, in this case Robin, who win out in the end and they usually get to fall in love too! Stealing from the rich to give to the poorStealing from the rich to give to the poorStealing from the rich to give to the poorStealing from the rich to give to the poor The morals in the Robin Hood story, however, are anything but clear cut. It doesn’t matter how you look at it, Robin Hood is a thief. The question is whether his reasons for stealing, i.e. stealing from the rich to give to the poor, mean that it is okay. Perhaps it depends on whether you think the rules, as set out by the Sherriff of Nottingham, are fair. Even if you don’t think they are some would say the law is the law and anyone caught breaking it should be in trouble. If the merry men were around now stealing from rich business men and giving the money to poor families what do you think might happen to them?

WHERE DOES PANTOMIME COME FROM?

GREECEGREECEGREECEGREECE The word Pantomime comes from the ancient Greek words MIME meaning ‘to imitate’ PANTOS meaning ‘all In other words, acting, or ‘imitating all’. ROMEROMEROMEROME Ancient roman theatre was very fast paced and the actors would play many different roles changing masks and costume very quickly. Music was used to add atmosphere and cover the changes. You will still see this being done in pantomime today. ITALYITALYITALYITALY All over Europe troupes of actors used to travel around performing biblical tales also known as ‘morality plays’ and ‘mystery plays’. At the time it was thought that if God had given you talents you should only use those talents in the name of God. However, there was a range of street artists travelling the continent. There were, for example, many mime artists. In the 15th century religious theatre performers, mime artists and wandering players came together and formed the Commedia dell’Arte Commedia dell’Arte Commedia dell’Arte Commedia dell’Arte performing improvised comedy. The Italian Commedia dell’Arte had travelled to England by the late 16th century bringing with them their range of stock characters – e.g. Harlequin, Pierrot, Pulcinello and Pantalone. – which started to influence and appear in British plays, including those of Shakespeare. FRANCEFRANCEFRANCEFRANCE In the 18th century the Comédie Française, the most revered and well known theatre in Paris, had been struggling to compete with the strong wave of Italian style performers in France. A playwright called Carlo Goldoni used what he saw as the strengths of Commedia dell’Arte, which was based on techniques of improvisation, and began to write structured scripts.

WHERE DOES PANTOMIME COME FROM?

ENGLAND Here, Commedia dell’Arte had evolved into longer entertainment with well known characters performing a humorous mixture of popular songs, comic sketches and jibes at the politics of the day. This type of performance developed into the HarlequinadeHarlequinadeHarlequinadeHarlequinade. The main characters of these performances were HarlequinHarlequinHarlequinHarlequin – a comic character, usually a servant.

Also usually in love with… Columbine Columbine Columbine Columbine – A beautiful young woman. A servant girl or the daughter of someone important. PantaloonPantaloonPantaloonPantaloon - A devious and greedy character who is easily fooled. Clown Clown Clown Clown - A slapstick performer very much like a circus clown today In these shows women dressed up as men and vice versa (just like the pantomime dame today), and it was here that slapstickslapstickslapstickslapstick made it’s name. This silly style of physical comedy helped give theatre a reputation for being rather vulgar and unwholesome. Eventually the harlequinade shrank into smaller comic scenes used to break up the tension of a serious play usually based on a myth or folk tale. These scenes were known as an ‘Italian Night SceneItalian Night SceneItalian Night SceneItalian Night Scene’. FACT - Slapstick is a type of comedy that usually involves people tripping over

things and falling down. It’s a bit like You’ve Been Framed but with rehearsals, but

do you know where the name Slapstick comes from?

A Slap Stick is two thin flat pieces of wood on top of one another. The top piece is

hinged to the bottom piece. You move the slapstick as if you are going to hit

someone and then stop just before you make contact. The top piece of wood,

which lags behind as you swing, then slaps into the bottom piece when it catches

up. This makes a really loud smacking noise.

WHERE DOES PANTOMIME COME FROM?

Eventually this evolved into the early pantomime where a well know tale and a story about the harlequinade characters would be played side by side. Eventually the folk story took over and the Harlequinade was reduces to a short comic chase scene. (You still see these chase scenes in today’s pantomime’s!) In the 19th Century fairytales became very popular with the publication of books like Perrault’s collection of European folk stories and they took the place of traditional English folk stories in Pantomime. A Robin Hood Panto is almost a reversal of this trend as Robin Hood is a traditional English folk hero about whom many different stories have been written over centuries.

FACT FACT FACT FACT ---- One of the oldest traditional pantomimes is produced at York Theatre Royal. It is written and directed by Berwick Kaler who also plays The Dame. The Pantomime has running jokes and a regular cast, no television stars and Berwick has been in charge of the Pantomime at York since 1978

WHO WILL YOU MEET IN A TRADITIONAL PANTOMIME?

Pantomimes have a series of stock characters, much like the ones in the Commedia Dell’Arte. Read the list below and then see if you can see any similarities between these and the 4 Commedia Dell’Arte characters listed on Pg ___ The Dame The Dame The Dame The Dame – is usually a female character but played by a male actor in lots of very silly and garish costumes. The Dame is usually a central character with a different name in each story and spends lots of time talking to the audience. She is a comic character and is usually involved with lots if the traditional parts of the Pantomime involving the audience. The Principal Boy The Principal Boy The Principal Boy The Principal Boy – is traditionally played by a female actor but this tradition as gone a little out of fashion recently. The Principal Boy is the hero of the story and his name often appears in the title. He is handsome and brave, triumphing over evil or misfortune to reach success and to claim the love of the principal girl. The Principal Girl The Principal Girl The Principal Girl The Principal Girl – is either the central character as in Sleeping Beauty, in which case the principle girl replaces the principle boy. In other stories the principal girl is the love interest of the Principle Boy and may be a princess or a peasant girl. She is usually threatened by evil or injustice but ends up happily in the arms of the principal boy. The Baddie The Baddie The Baddie The Baddie – can be male or female but has an evil scheme in mind - the theft of a fortune, the conquering of the kingdom or marrying the principal girl against her wishes. The baddie often knows how to use magic and/or has evil assistants to help them on their evil way. The Fairy The Fairy The Fairy The Fairy – This character is often around to help defeat any baddies or to offer words of wisdom. She may act as a mother figure for the orphaned or lonely principal character as with Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother. The ‘Skin’ Character The ‘Skin’ Character The ‘Skin’ Character The ‘Skin’ Character ---- whether a cow, goose, cat, camel or horse, the Pantomime animal adds many opportunities for laughter. It consists of one or two people dressed up to look like an animal, often with a couple making up its front and rear ends. The animal is often a loyal sidekick of the Principle Boy or Girl.

WHO WILL YOU MEET IN A TRADITIONAL PANTOMIME?

The Panto Babes and EnsembleThe Panto Babes and EnsembleThe Panto Babes and EnsembleThe Panto Babes and Ensemble

The members of the ensemble take part in the crowd scenes and the song and dance routines, and have a fewer lines to deliver. In the late 19th century pantomimes employed hundreds as members of the chorus all dressed in extravagant costumes. As budgets got smaller choruses in professional Pantomime have become smaller and often only amateur Pantomime companies can often continue to have a large chorus. However the tradition of having a group of local children and young people performing as part of the ensemble is still with us and these are often called ‘The Panto Babes’. Most Pantos, including the one at the Corn Exchange, couldn’t do without them and they make Pantomime a real community event.

WHO WILL YOU MEET IN OUR ROBIN HOOD PANTOMIME?

Because Robin Hood is not one of the traditional fairy story Pantomimes the stock characters have to be adapted a little. The characters in this year’s corn exchange Panto are ..... Lady Shania Tuck Lady Shania Tuck Lady Shania Tuck Lady Shania Tuck –––– This is the Dame character and is based on one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men. In well know versions of Robin Hood Friar Tuck is portrayed as a monk who has almost accidentally joined the band of merry men. He is a fun character who doesn’t much like the business of firing arrows at people and asking for their money. ?????? Robin Hood Robin Hood Robin Hood Robin Hood –––– the Principle Boy. Robin fulfills all the principle boy features – handsome, heroic and fighting the powers of evil to save his girl. Maid Marion Maid Marion Maid Marion Maid Marion –––– the Principle Girl. In this case the romance between Marion and Robin is doomed because she comes from a royal noble family and King John is a sworn enemy of Robin. In any case a upper class lady like Marion would be expected to marry an upper class man – not an outlaw! King John King John King John King John –––– is the baddie of the piece. Although many Robin Hood stories have the Sheriff of Nottingham as the baddie, the Sheriff was only working for King John. The King is portrayed as an evil pretender to the throne who has taken charge while his older brother Richard is away at war and not doing a very good job of it. Other CharactersOther CharactersOther CharactersOther Characters Billy Bumpkin Billy Bumpkin Billy Bumpkin Billy Bumpkin –––– in this Panto, Billy, operates as a Buttons type character. He is simple but very kind hearted and always trying to help and impress. SharonSharonSharonSharon----aaaa----Dale Dale Dale Dale –––– Another character based on one of Robin Hood’s band of Merry Men, Alan-a-Dale. Most panto writers try to find some modern day references in their Panto characters and Sharon is a ??????? King Richard the Lionheart King Richard the Lionheart King Richard the Lionheart King Richard the Lionheart –––– Richard is a little bit of a father figure for the whole story. The honest and good King of England who has been away while his brother, John, takes over. Although he isn’t magic he could be seen as a ‘fairy godfather’ for Robin Hood.

TRADITIONS

Transformation ScenesTransformation ScenesTransformation ScenesTransformation Scenes These are small scenes performed in front of the curtain (or ‘tabs’), usually by just two characters, while the scenery is being changed on the main part of the stage. This is so that the setting of the Pantomime can be ‘transformed’ and to allow the story to move between different locations.

Audience ParticipationAudience ParticipationAudience ParticipationAudience Participation

A fundamental part of the English pantomime tradition is the ‘audience participation’. The audience are encouraged to Boo and HissBoo and HissBoo and HissBoo and Hiss at the villain and warn other characters when he approaches by shouting ‘He’s behind youHe’s behind youHe’s behind youHe’s behind you!’. Catch phrases are often shouted at characters when they make their entrance, especially if they are well known stars.

FACT - The Production company that work on the Corn Exchange pantomime

each year is called “Hiss and Boo” taking its name from the audience

participation tradition of Panto. Sometimes an audience member is invited on stage to help the characters do something and the whole audience are encouraged to take part in the action, searching for a lost item, helping with spells, keeping an eye out for the villain, or foiling the villains plans.

Music and Song Music and Song Music and Song Music and Song

The earliest of Pantomimes had no dialogue at all and were performed in mime or sung to music.

In 1737 a law was passed to say that spoken drama could only be performed in two Patent Theatres, Theatre Royal Dury Lane and Covent Garden. Burletta (music shows) could be performed at any theatre and to be considered a Burletta, a performance had to include at least five musical items in each act.

Originally songs were specially written for each Pantomime but later they started to use popular songs, often with the lyrics changed. There was a return to the use of commissioned songs for Pantomime but modern Panto’s regularly use well known pop songs, some that the parents will know well and some for the children.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PUT ON A PANTOMIME?

The Script The Script The Script The Script can be started very early in the year but it can take a few more drafts (partial re-writes) from the playwright before they and the director are entirely happy with it. Then, once rehearsals start, little changes are made to improve the jokes and fit in with the set and the actor’s performance. Our writer, Phil Wilmot, is also our Pantomime director and he has now created ___ Pantomimes for the Corn Exchange with the Hiss & Boo production company. Design and Music Design and Music Design and Music Design and Music Once the script is nearly ready the musical director, lighting, set and costume designers then have time begin their research and to work out their ideas before preparations for the production really get going in the autumn. Auditions Auditions Auditions Auditions for the main actors are held in the summer, usually in London. Local auditions are held later in Newbury for the Panto Babes.The children have to have special licenses from the local authority to allow them to perform and there are often two different casts of children as the number of hours that a child can work is strictly limited. They also have to be accompanied by a registered chaperone at all times. Choreography Choreography Choreography Choreography for the dance numbers are planned alongside the script and the music before rehearsals start. The real work starts when the choreographer brings their ideas to the rehearsal room. Although the ensemble actors are often trained dancers the character actors may not be and the choreographer often has his or her work cut out. Construction Construction Construction Construction of the set and the costumes begins in October. All of the costumes have to be made to the right size for the cast. The costumes are important for the dressers who assist with the quick changes during the show, especially for The Dame. The costume designer has to come up with ingenious ways of making the clothes easy to get on and off. It usually involves lots of Velcro. Rehearsals Rehearsals Rehearsals Rehearsals begin in November, when everything really gets going! The cast rehearses hard - six days a week for three weeks to learn the moves, the songs and the script before……

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PUT ON A PANTOMIME?

Production Week Production Week Production Week Production Week is when everything comes together including the set, music (where the full band will come in for the first time), sound, lights, choreography, costumes and, of course, the acting! Production week is very hard work but everyone has to keep a little bit of energy in reserve for the …. Dress Rehearsal Dress Rehearsal Dress Rehearsal Dress Rehearsal is the moment of truth! By this time all of the problems should be ironed out and everyone should be ready for…

….OPENING NIGHT!OPENING NIGHT!OPENING NIGHT!OPENING NIGHT!

AN INTERVIEW WITH....

How many times have you been in the panto at the Corn exchange?How many times have you been in the panto at the Corn exchange?How many times have you been in the panto at the Corn exchange?How many times have you been in the panto at the Corn exchange? What characters have you played?What characters have you played?What characters have you played?What characters have you played? Which has been your favourite?Which has been your favourite?Which has been your favourite?Which has been your favourite? What are you looking forward to about this year’s pantomime the most?What are you looking forward to about this year’s pantomime the most?What are you looking forward to about this year’s pantomime the most?What are you looking forward to about this year’s pantomime the most? How much rehearsal time do you get for the panto?How much rehearsal time do you get for the panto?How much rehearsal time do you get for the panto?How much rehearsal time do you get for the panto?

ACTIVITIES FOR THE CLASSROOM These activities are suggestions and also offer a way for members of your class to get involved with the corn exchange. They can and should be adapted to suit your classroom needs and expectations thought we hope they offer a starter resource for you. Additional element of the KS 1 & 2 national curriculum (drafting, planning, spelling and grammar are, we hope, easily incorporated.

What do you expect? PrePrePrePre----show activities KS 1 & 2 show activities KS 1 & 2 show activities KS 1 & 2 show activities KS 1 & 2 Discussion KS 1 (PSHE; 5 & EN1; 2 & 3) Discussion KS 1 (PSHE; 5 & EN1; 2 & 3) Discussion KS 1 (PSHE; 5 & EN1; 2 & 3) Discussion KS 1 (PSHE; 5 & EN1; 2 & 3) KS 2 (En 1 & 3)KS 2 (En 1 & 3)KS 2 (En 1 & 3)KS 2 (En 1 & 3)

1) As a whole group talk about any other visits they have had to the theatre, to the Corn Exchange or to any pantomime.

2) Discuss what they are looking forward to about their visit to see Robin Hood and what they expect the experience to be like. At KS 2 encourage the use of theatre specific language such as ‘auditorium’, ‘lighting’ ‘production’ etc.

3) How do they feel about going to see it? Try to encourage a range of answers beyond ‘looking forward to it’ e.g. ‘excited’, ‘nervous’.

4) Use the internet to look on the Corn Exchange website at the pictures and poster. Discuss what the illustrations tell them about the show. www.cornexchangenew.com or use the images below.

5) Discuss behaviour at the theatre, in general and at the Panto? Why is it okay to shout out at panto and not at some other shows? Discuss the idea of other people’s enjoyment and of shared experience. Discuss the right of everyone to enjoy the performance equally.

6) Discuss the teacher’s responsibility when going on a trip. How does their behaviour impact on the teacher? How do you have to behave so that the teacher enjoys the performance too?

ACTIVITIES FOR THE CLASSROOM

Additional Activity Additional Activity Additional Activity Additional Activity –––– Art Art Art Art ---- KS 1 (Art & Design1: 2) KS 1 (Art & Design1: 2) KS 1 (Art & Design1: 2) KS 1 (Art & Design1: 2) Following the discussion above use a range of art materials and ask them to create a picture representing their upcoming visit and how they feel about it. Additional activity Additional activity Additional activity Additional activity –––– Opinion Opinion Opinion Opinion ---- KS 2 (En1: 3 ) KS 2 (En1: 3 ) KS 2 (En1: 3 ) KS 2 (En1: 3 ) Walt Disney made an animated film version of Robin Hood, there have been versions of it on television and other films made.

1) Why bother going to the theatre at all? 2) What makes theatre different to going to the cinema 3) What makes Panto different from lots of other theatre?

In their answers pupils must be able to justify their opinion whilst also taking their class mates opinion into account. Pupils can use information on Pupils can use information on Pupils can use information on Pupils can use information on pages ___ to ____ ofpages ___ to ____ ofpages ___ to ____ ofpages ___ to ____ of thi thi thi this activity pack to s activity pack to s activity pack to s activity pack to support their ideas.support their ideas.support their ideas.support their ideas. ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion As a class draw a table with plus points for cinema and plus points for theatre on the board and discuss which is better. Consider the fact that the two may not be comparable and that the answer may not be as easy as one being ‘better’ than the other.

Theatre

Cinema

e.g. The actors come into the audience or talk to you and involve

you in the play.

e.g. In films you can have lots of special effects, do anything and go

anywhere.

TELL US A STORY PostPostPostPost----show activities KS 1 & 2 show activities KS 1 & 2 show activities KS 1 & 2 show activities KS 1 & 2 Discussion, Language Discussion, Language Discussion, Language Discussion, Language ---- KS 2 (En1: 3) KS 2 (En1: 3) KS 2 (En1: 3) KS 2 (En1: 3) As a class read the Robin Hood story on page _____ of this activity pack. Where prompted pause to discuss what is happening. You can use the prompt questions to pay particular attention to locations and imagining what the surroundings would have been like. As you read the story draw attention, where necessary, to the meanings of the words in bold (the definitions are listed below) and stop to discuss what is being described. Where you see a **** in the text there is a relevant prompt question below.

• What would the Greenwood Forest be like on a ‘May morning’ and what sort of

conditions do you think the Merry Men lived in? • What do you think the atmosphere in the church would be like? • What would the King’s palace be like compared to the outlaw’s home in

Greenwood? • Describe the jail and the conditions Robin was kept in?

DEFINITIONS WhitsuntideWhitsuntideWhitsuntideWhitsuntide – A Christian festival week, seven weeks after Easter. SombreSombreSombreSombre – Sad and thoughtful RRRReflectively gazingeflectively gazingeflectively gazingeflectively gazing – Looking thoughtfully Matins Matins Matins Matins – An early Morning Prayer service in the Catholic Church HenceforthHenceforthHenceforthHenceforth – From this point onwards Heed Heed Heed Heed – Pay attention to YeomenYeomenYeomenYeomen – A farmer who farms his own land CongregationCongregationCongregationCongregation – The group of people attending a church service Treacherous Treacherous Treacherous Treacherous – Untrustworthy EnsuedEnsuedEnsuedEnsued - followed Despatching Despatching Despatching Despatching - Killing AlasAlasAlasAlas – Unfortunately OutlawsOutlawsOutlawsOutlaws - Criminals Warrant Warrant Warrant Warrant – Written permission from the King Granted admittanceGranted admittanceGranted admittanceGranted admittance – Allowed in QuartersQuartersQuartersQuarters – the rooms someone lives in within another house or ship. CockcrowCockcrowCockcrowCockcrow – when the Cockerel cries out, usually very early in the morning. FugitiveFugitiveFugitiveFugitive – on the run No availNo availNo availNo avail – unsuccessfully

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS

1) Church & god play a big part in this story. Discuss with the class changes in the importance of religion in the UK.

2) Is there a moral to this story? 3) Is the language used different to the language we use? In what ways does it differ?

(En1: 6) Activity Activity Activity Activity –––– KS2 (En3: 2 & 9) KS2 (En3: 2 & 9) KS2 (En3: 2 & 9) KS2 (En3: 2 & 9) Write a draft outline of your own Robin Hood story for children your age including each of the four settings: Greenwood, the Church, the Palace and the Jail. Pupils should be encourages to use their experience of the Panto to influence their story and to use one of the new words or phrases they learned in the story they read. Now write a final version of your story. TEACHERS - If your class completes their Robin Hood stories before the end of

term 3 in February send them to Sarah Gregson @ the Corn Exchange and a

series of the our favourites will be displayed on the Corn Exchange Website.

(Drop them in at the Corn Exchange box office, send by post or e-mail

sarahg@cornexchange.co.uk)

Discussion, Language Discussion, Language Discussion, Language Discussion, Language ---- KS 1 (En1 : 7) KS 1 (En1 : 7) KS 1 (En1 : 7) KS 1 (En1 : 7) Read the synopsis of the story on Pg _____ as a class. Using the starting sentence “Once upon a time .....” ask the class to write (individually or as a class as part of a discussion) the start to our Robin Hood Pantomime story including

1) LOCATION – e.g ‘in the dusty basement of her father’s house’ 2) MAIN CHARACTERS – e.g. ‘a young girl who was very very poor dreamt that one

day a handsome prince would come and take her away’ 3) PROBLEM – e.g. ‘She knew it would never happen because of her cruel

stepmother and ugly sisters’ 4) HOPE –e.g. ‘But the young girl felt that one day her life would change.’

Pupils should consider how the order of the words changes the feel and meaning of the writing. e.g. “In the dusty basement of her father’s house” OR “ in her father’s house, in the dusty basement”

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS In the first example she just happens to be in the basement. But in the second example we hear first that it is her father’s house and then it seems odd that she should be in the dusty basement. e.g. “But the young girl felt that one day her life would change” OR “But the young girl felt that her life would change. One day.” In the first example the young girl is sure that her life will change in the future but by separating out the “One Day” as a separate sentence in the second example it makes that future seem very far away and almost impossible. TEACHERSTEACHERSTEACHERSTEACHERS – Send the story opening written by your class before the end of term 3 in

February to Sarah Gregson @ the Corn Exchange and a series of the our favourites

will be displayed on the Corn Exchange Website.

(Drop them in at the Corn Exchange box office, send by post or e-mail

sarahg@cornexchange.co.uk)

TELL US WHAT YOU THOUGHT

PostPostPostPost----show activities KS 1 & 2show activities KS 1 & 2show activities KS 1 & 2show activities KS 1 & 2. TEACHERS - When you have completed this activity with your class you can send

copies of the reviews or letters to the Corn Exchange and a series of the most clearly

written letters and reviews will be displayed on the Corn Exchange Website.

We will be looking for well planned writing with good spelling and appropriate use of

language as well as those with really personal memories of our Panto.

(Drop them in at the Corn Exchange box office, send by post or e-mail

sarahg@cornexchange.co.uk)

KS1 KS1 KS1 KS1 –––– En3: 5, 6 & 9. En3: 5, 6 & 9. En3: 5, 6 & 9. En3: 5, 6 & 9.

Letter writing (by hand or on computer)Letter writing (by hand or on computer)Letter writing (by hand or on computer)Letter writing (by hand or on computer)

Ask each member of your class to use one sheet of A4 to write to the director of the Corn Exchange, Katy Griffiths and tell her what they thought of Robin Hood and your trip to the theatre. Formal letter writing - points to cover with your class.

• The address of the person you are writing to should go in the top right corner of the page. In this case it will be

Director Corn Exchange Market Place Newbury Berkshire RG14 5BD

• Your address, or in this case the class name or number and address of the school, should go on the left, underneath the first address.

Slightly underneath that on the left of the page, the greeting. If you a) do not know the name of the person you are writing to the address should be “Dear Sir or Madam, if you b) know the name of the person you are writing to but do not know them personally the address should be the person’s title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Dr etc) and their family or surname. In this case, it would be Dear Miss Dickson

TELL US WHAT YOU THOUGHT KS1 KS1 KS1 KS1 –––– En3: 5, 6 & 9. En3: 5, 6 & 9. En3: 5, 6 & 9. En3: 5, 6 & 9.

Letter writing (by hand or on computer)Letter writing (by hand or on computer)Letter writing (by hand or on computer)Letter writing (by hand or on computer)

• However, as the director knows about the letter writing section in the activity pack

and is happy to receive these letters, they may use, Dear Katy Griffiths. • In the main body of the letter start with the reason they are writing. • Then move on to the details – what they enjoyed, who their favourite character was

etc – try to encourage the use of one word that is particularly linked with Pantomime. Slapstick – See pg __ for definition and discussion point. Dame – See Character Page __ Baddie – See Character Page __ What other words can they think of? Write them on the white board for spelling.

• Then conclude with thanks and/or a hope for the future. • Signing Off – If you do not know the name of the person i.e. Dear Sir or Madam, the

letter should end “Yours Faithfully”. If you do know the name of the person i.e. dear Michelle Dickson, the letter should end, “Yours Sincerely”

• Then write your name very clearly, so the person receiving the letter can see who it is from. If typing the letter, sign your name by hand next to your printed name. SEE THE LETTER TEMPLATE AT THE END OF THIS ACTIVITY PACK

KS 2 (En3 : 9 & 11)KS 2 (En3 : 9 & 11)KS 2 (En3 : 9 & 11)KS 2 (En3 : 9 & 11) Write a reviewWrite a reviewWrite a reviewWrite a review Read the following reviews of different types of play. (Highlighted in red are words that may need explaining)

TELL US WHAT YOU THOUGHT KS 2 (En3 : 9 & 11)KS 2 (En3 : 9 & 11)KS 2 (En3 : 9 & 11)KS 2 (En3 : 9 & 11) Talk about where the reviews are printed, who they are for and their use of language.

• E.g. a local information website is more directly connected with wanting to let people know whether they should go out to see the show this week and is often written by audience members, rather than journalists. The language used is quite casual.

• Broadsheets, newspapers such as the Guardian and the Independent hope that their readers want to know a bit of information about the people who made the piece of theatre and also that they might go to the theatre fairly regularly so they may compare the play they are reviewing to other plays that have already been on.

• Entertainments magazines can assume that if the reader has bought the magazine, they know quite a bit about the subject. In this case – theatre, so they may choose to use some theatre references and language.

The reviews on the next two pages can be photocopied and distributed and used as stimulus for group work. Then ask each student to pick a style of writing similar to one of these three and write a review of Sleeping Beauty.

Things to Include

• Where the pantomime was performed. • The Director’s name. • A brief outline of the story. • Your favourite bits. • The best and worst performances from the actors. • A memorable moment.

You can also comment on the costumes, lighting, music and the set design.

Example revieExample revieExample revieExample reviews.ws.ws.ws. Newbury Weekly news The Guardian The Stage

FUNTIME ACTIVITIES

Robin Hood CrosswordRobin Hood CrosswordRobin Hood CrosswordRobin Hood Crossword

Can Robin escape from the Castle Dungeons?Can Robin escape from the Castle Dungeons?Can Robin escape from the Castle Dungeons?Can Robin escape from the Castle Dungeons?

AcrossAcrossAcrossAcross 2. What does Robin Hood use to shoot at the baddies? 4. Where do the merry men hide out? 6. Who wants to be King? 8. Who takes from the rich to give to the poor? 10. What are the gang that help Robin Hood called? 11. Who is the true King? DownDownDownDown 1. Who does Robin Hood rescue? 3. What town is the tale of Robin Hood set? 5. Who collects the taxes and chases Robin Hood? 7. Who is Robin Hood's best friend? 9. What colour are Robin Hood's tights?

FUNTIME ACTIVITIES

Word Search

S L O W R W F O R E S T

K I N G R I C H A R D M

S O B P P L C M O L A R

H N O R A L F H Q I M O

E H O I N S R H D T X B

R E H N T C I M R T O I

W A I C O A A E D L L N

O R S E M R R R A E Q H

O T S J I L T R P J Q O

D U S O M E U Y Q O R O

L F N H E T C D B H O D

C J C N P T K W X N D R

Boo hiss

Pantomime

Forest Poor

Friar Tuck Prince John

King Richard Rich

Lionheart Robin Hood

There are 10 Differences!

FUNTIME ACTIVITIES

Spot the difference