Robin Hood posterGreat vocals, a crowd-pleasing choice of rousing songs, both laugh-out-loud and pleasingly groan-inducing gags that appeal to all family members – the New Theatre Royal’s latest pantomime is sure to win over all members of its seasonal audiences this year.

Opening with a series of bread puns and a Queen medley, Robin Hood isn’t a first glance a traditional choice for a panto but the Lincoln theatre’s production based on the regional legend has all the elements fans of the annual family entertainment will expect and more.

Robin Hood - Press Image 1 (Credit Caroline Keyworth)

My four year old and I were guests of the Clasketgate venue for Wednesday evening’s show and enjoyed characterful performances, energetic dances and numerous opportunities for audience interaction.  Mummy’s favourites were Will Scarlett’s series of tree jokes and the If I Were not in Pantomime comedy song.

Robin Hood - Press Image 2 (Credit Caroline Keyworth)

The actors portrayals of their various predicaments were clearly very engaging to my four year old who was extremely invested in all the performances and almost found the mild peril of the second half’s dungeon scene too much to bear.  Fortunately our titular hero saves the day, of course, and Willow was soon up and joining in with all the celebrations of the finale.

The meet and greet after the show further made my mini star struck one exceedingly happy and I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the cast for how lovely they were with her.  It even given her the chance to meet the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham and discover that, off stage at least, he’s actually really nice.  Although she’s still convinced that “all the bad guys are on the naughty list”.

On Friday night, it was the turn of Daddy and our seven year old to join his Beavers group trip to see the show.  They not only thoroughly enjoyed the heroics and amusements of the medieval tale but the eldest mini also got to join in the fun himself being invited to take to the stage with Nurse Nora and Will Scarlett and lead the audience in a rendition of the song Robin Hood accompanied by his signature dance moves.

Does Robin Hood hit the target as a great way to start your festive season?  Oh yes it does!

Robin Hood continues at the New Theatre Royal in Lincoln until January 5th.  Click here to find out more or call 01522 519999.