The East Van Panto is a long time Vancouver tradition. It is a community event. If you know you know. Having said that, I have somehow never been to one. I have never been to a traditional British panto either so I can’t say how true to the original panto form this Robin Hood is, but this production is so good that I didn’t even care. I attended the daytime performance with my partner and our two toddlers on our laps, and we had an absolutely excellent afternoon. For me this is the smartest thing about the show, the way it is so layered with its storytelling and humour, that it keeps adults engaged as well as kids. For one show to speak to so many demographics is a marvellous feat. It makes for a perfect family holiday outing.
So what is this take on Robin Hood all about? Well, Trout Lake Park is about to be privatised. This threatens to set off a disastrous chain of gentrification events. To stop this catastrophe stark in its path, Robin and his furry animal friends of Trout Lake park must come together to put up the good fight. The ensuing adventure results in visits to Britannia Library, the use of a Trojan horse consisting of all of Vancouver’s ugly sculptures, to the mayor’s gym, and of course to the magical Trout Lake Park itself.
Christine Quintana, who is a triple threat – actress, singer, playwright, has been consistently building a solid body of work in the city. She has co-written this show with Jivesh Parasram, another actor and playwright who has been producing theatre work for many years. Together they have written a show that is topical, bold, and actually funny. The writing is so good that it stands on its own at all times and shines while doing so. The writing of the song lyrics too is very well done and not cringey at all, the way covers sometimes can be. The adaptation of the original fairy tale to the heavily localised present day scenario is cleverly done.
This panto is so Vancouver! In fact, it is so East Vancouver! It not only references all the little things that are unique and special about our city, things we are proud of (mountains, beaches, ocean, liberal politics) and things we love to complain about (rain and how hard it is to make friends), but it embodies the spirit of Vancouver through its storytelling. The spirit of a Vancouver that is egalitarian, free-spirited, judgement-free, hippie-dippie, pot-loving, rule-resisting, non-conforming, nature-loving. A spirit that is also slowly giving way to condos and corporations. There is of course in the panto, heavy critique of the current municipal administration and its love affair with policing and profit over people. Think removing bike lanes, talks of privatising the library, bringing back paper coffee cups. The result is an impassioned message to resist gentrification and conserve the very things that make this city livable. Quintana and Parasram succeed in bringing all these sentiments to life with believability and authenticity. This is what gives the panto the soul it needs to connect with Vancouverites in all their diversity. It doesn’t shy away from talking about the city’s violent colonial past and its ties to the path of hyper-capitalism that the city is inevitably on.
The cast is the star of this show. Every actor is a formidable singer and every one works together to create the best ensemble cast I have seen in a long time. Jason Sasaki double times as the rebellious librarian and the villainous Prince Ken (no prizes for guessing the inspiration for this character). He switches between the binary of these characters with all his heart, and as Prince Ken especially, Sasaki unites the audience in their jovial boos. Hayley Sullivan as Robin Hood, the fox with an identity crisis, leads the production with confidence and explores the theme of civic duty on stolen lands with thoughtfulness. Munish Sharma as Little Jaan partners well with Sullivan, and has a strong physical presence on stage. Sunday Service superstar, Mark Chavez, steals the show with a rapid fire soliloquy as Luz the Goose, his digitally pedantic robot-rarian, and as the British Hedgehog, Hans. He brings big laughs even when he stands on stage supporting his fellow actors. Steffanie Davis as Toni the Pony, the traitor of the pack, if you will, does a great New Jersey cop accent and is without a doubt, the most impressive singer of the cast. Her songs are my favourite! The supporting cast of characters are great and the children who perform are adorable as well.
The music played live by Veda Hille/Michelle Cuttler and June Mirochnick adds the energy the panto demands. The song selection is top notch, expect everything from Britney Spears and Ginuwine to Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo, and everything in between. The lyrics have been revamped with wit to support the super fun storyline. The costumes for the furry animals are beautiful and the choreography is excellent. Lauchlin Johnston’s detailed set design transports you to all the iconic Vancouver hot spots, while truly bringing their quirks to life. The runtime of two hours (including intermission) flies by as the laughs keep coming and the scenery changes to keep the audience visually engaged.
Robin Hood smashed it this year as the chosen East Van panto, thanks to killer and politically relevant playwrighting, a stellar cast, and infectious music. This production is not to be missed!
Learn more on The Cultch’s website here.
– Prachi Kamble