Robin Hood

The many legends of Robin Hood have proved a gift to writers Sarah A Nixon and Mark Chatterton. The stories are so legion and varied, the perfect basis for a hysterically funny story surrounding a golden arrow and the evil queen of Avalon. The writers even squeeze in a King John of Elton without bending tradition too far out of shape.

A year’s break seems to have brought renewed energy to the rock’n’roll panto format, with Jamie Noar picking up the reins as musical director and arranger for the first time and steering it away from pop back towards its rock roots.

Noar is one of a pair of heroes, swashbuckling alongside Peter Mooney’s lovable Long John. Stephanie Hockley takes centre stage as Scarlet, daughter of Robin, tasked with restoring the golden bow and arrow to its rightful place and saving the kingdom. Back too are audience favourites Adam Keast and dame Matthew Quinn, given the bulk of the double-entendre as Scarlet’s parents. Jessica Dives, meanwhile, drips venom as Darthia De Foe.

The cast is great, with several new faces, but biggest kudos must go to James Wolstenholme, appearing in no less than eight roles, including King John of Elton and the Lady of the Lake.

The costume department, under Jacquie Davies, has outdone itself, and Douglas Kuhrt’s lighting seems more sumptuous than ever – but it is the brilliant musical score and Nixon and Chatterton’s razor-sharp writing that really makes this a winner.