If you're looking for a great night out with all the family, Robinson should be your first port of call. With an energetic and enthusiastic cast, catchy songs and great costumes, this show promises a good nights entertainment. Robinson will star more than 290 young people between the ages of eight and 20, all of whom take part in the Theatre Arts Courses at Norwich Theatre Royal. Loosely based on Daniel Defoe's famous novel, this is the tenth musical written by director David Lambert and composer Andrew Fletcher. As the curtain rose, the cast filled the stage with energy, recreating a busy coastal village. You couldn't ignore the presence of Robinson, played by Sam Claflin, when ha came on stage.  | | Sam Claflin plays Robinson |
Claflin was consistent throughout and gave a very polished performance. The relationship between him and his lifetime love, Polly Perkins, played by Sarah Langrish-Smith, was almost real and the love between them was very apparent. The musical numbers in Robinson were catchy and up tempo. With clever words, harmonies and different parts in many of the songs, the musical score was quite impressive, if a bit panto. The song which really stood out was I Have To Let You Go. Set in the Sailor's Arms Inn, the song is about the husbands going to sea and the wives being left behind. Beautifully sung, the song was strong and rather moving. There were many time changes throughout the production which I found quite confusing at times but it slowly became clear what was going on. A few lines were lost here and there but it didn't affect the story line. I simply put this down to first night nerves. There's a big twist in Robinson's tale after he's shipwrecked on the desert island, buy you will have to go and see it to find out! Robinson Crusoe at the Theatre Royal runs until Saturday 2 August. Don't miss: In rehearsal with the cast of Robinson Crusoe» Have you seen this production? Do you agree with the review? Post your view on our message board. | 
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