Reviewed by Louise Totton
Following other notable successes in Ben Langley’s “Ha Ha” series, including Ha Ha Hamlet, Ha Ha Hitler and Ha Ha Holmes, comes Ha Ha Hood – Prince of Leaves. Set in Sherwood Forest, 10 years after we last left Robin and Marian, Ha Ha Hood is a low-tech parody panto type show that, given the cast of Cannon and Ball along with Su Pollard, delivers pretty much what would be expected.
Following a seemingly difficult split between Robin and Marian, Ha Ha Hood follows the story of Robin (Ben Langley), Marian (Su Pollard), the Sheriff of Nottingham (Tommy Cannon), Little John, Friar Tuck through bootcamp, a camping expedition, an archery contest and a wedding. It wasn’t exactly sophisticated humour – lots of gags about bodily functions and split tights, and innuendo aplenty but we knew what to expect, and it was delivered really well. The cast were clearly having a cracking time up on stage, and their enjoyment of the evening was infectious; they had the audience howling with laughter at times.
We were expecting Su Pollard and Cannon and Ball in the cast, as it happened, Bobby Ball was absent due to ill health and his parts were played by his understudy, who was absolutely fantastic. I saw the show with my dad, who was a little disappointed to have only seen half of one of his favourite comedy duos, but he still thoroughly enjoyed his evening.
As usual, St George’s Hall in Bradford was an excellent venue. The theatre is always clean and comfortable. We enjoyed a lovely pre-show drink in the bar downstairs which was staffed by friendly staff and was quite reasonably priced for the type of venue.
Parking is nice and easy at St George’s Hall; there is a large multi-story just across the road, and if you ask the theatre for a carpark card, the parking charges are reduced to a very reasonable £3.80.
We had a fantastic evening, I will be looking out for the next instalment in the Ha Ha series.
Rating: 4/5
Ha Ha Hood! is currently on tour around the UK until 17 November 2014. For more information, tour dates and venues visit www.hahahood.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HaHaHood.
St George’s Hall. Bridge St, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 1JT | Box Office 01274 432000
