REVIEW - 'Robinson Crusoe', Lindsey Rural Players, Broadbent Theatre, 23rd Jan - 7th Feb 2026 - ***1/2

The welcome at the Broadbent Theatre has to be one of the warmest in the county. Equally so, Lindsey Rural Players’ Robinson Crusoe is a cheerful and well-intentioned pantomime that delivers plenty of traditional fun. The production showcases a committed cast and strong community spirit, bringing warmth, humour and charm, although it has to be said that the overall show struggles to gather momentum, and an uneven pace and variable material prevent it from fully setting sail.

Poster design for 'Robinson Crusoe' (c) Lindsey Rural Players

There is much to admire in the performances, the production values and Kei Bailey’s script. The cast clearly enjoy themselves, and that enthusiasm is infectious. Several characters are played with the essential energy needed for panto, in particular Kerry James’ snarling Pirate Queen Captain Kilkraken and Sian Rees’ brisk and likeable Billy Crusoe. Underserved perhaps (at least in the comedy stakes, which Bailey’s script is rather overflowing), is Ben Harris and Rebekah Hardy, who do well to keep their romance and the story afloat. Both are vocally strong, as is the show-stealing Katherine Trevor, playing Gladys Friday, who brings a wonderfully surreal touch to the production.  

The motley group of pirates are well depicted, although their scenes tended to drag a little and lacked a certain vim and vigour. The jokes, however, come thick and fast and moments of strong comic timing remind the audience just how effective local pantomime can be when everything clicks. However, not all of the humour lands as intended. Some jokes feel overfamiliar, and many pass by with less impact than hoped, occasionally dragging the show into a lower gear. Less is often more. The same could be said for the abundance of double acts, with crafty debt collectors and effectively two pairs of plotting pirates, it can be a bit weary.

The familiar comedy set pieces (a ghost routine, a cookery sketch etc) are joyful, with performers David Stacey and Malcolm Tresadern proving to be particularly on point. Stacey plays Mayor Perkins who has caught the eye of Ma Crusoe, played by Tresadern, delivering a cosy dame carrying more than a passing resemblance to the great Norman Evans.

Malcolm Tresadern and David Stacey in 'Robinson Crusoe' (c) Lindsey Rural Players

There’s also a bounty of magic, performed brilliantly by Rees, and a clever puppet show and some spectacular set designs and costume designs; Robinson Crusoe could possibly be the most colourful, multi-faceted panto on the circuit this year.  

Musically, the show is serviceable rather than memorable. While the cast tackle the songs with enthusiasm, many of the numbers feel lacklustre and fail to add much dramatic or emotional weight. Comedy ideas aren’t fully developed in many, and a stronger selection of songs, or tighter musical staging, would have significantly lifted the production’s energy in these moments.

Natalie Anderton and Andy Wingham in 'Robinson Crusoe' (c) Lindsey Rural Players

Overall, Robinson Crusoe is an enjoyable, family-friendly panto that offers solid

entertainment, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential, but as it stands, it remains a pleasant and good-natured night at the theatre. On the night I went along, there was a distinct lack of younger people in the audience, but those who came along clearly enjoyed the voyage. Robinson Crusoe remains a fine way to be taken out of yourself on these cold, drab days.  

'Robinson Crusoe' is playing at the Broadbent Theatre in Wickenby, on Fridays and weekends (including matinees) until 7th February 2026. Click on the button below to purchase tickets.

Buy Tickets Now