A famous archer and his merry crew have arrived at Sheringham with a target of providing panto family fun.
Robin Hood begins its 44- show run at the Little Theatre on December 13, with a six-strong professional cast joined by 21 local youngsters as dancers, henchmen and villagers.
Writer and director Nick Earnshaw, who is also appearing in the show as the baddie Sheriff of Nottingham, said: “The show is set in Nottingham, but ends up with a battle scene in Sheringham where the Sheriff is threatening to take over the local shops and tear down the town clock to replace it with a statue of himself.”
He is promising a Christmas pudding rich mix of comedy, music, dance, action, adventure, dragons and ghosts.
“Robin was an early ‘super hero’ so there’s a comic book vibe, as well as a love story element with Marian – plus lots of interactivity with the audience who help with an escape from the castle.”
The cast has just arrived and begun a busy rehearsal schedule before the show is previewed at special productions for schools, ready for the public curtain up.
The lead role of Robin is taken by Charlie Randall, with Alice Frances as Marian, Oliver Westlake as dame Little Jane, Mark Skilton as Friar Tuck, and Emma Riches as Jill Scarlett.
Three teams of youngsters complete the cast along with an audio role for theatre trust vice-chairman Richard Batson, reprising his 2014 cameo slot as King Richard.
Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “Robin Hood is one of my favourite pantos because it has a great traditional storyline for all ages, and three big elements of a hero in Robin, beautiful heroine in Marian and a perfect villain in the Sheriff. It’s a show for children, parents and grandparents.”
Robin Hood runs from December 13 to January 4. Tickets and information from 01263 822347 or visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
PLENTY MORE PANTO TO COME
Next year’s main panto at Sheringham will be the Wizard of Oz to follow uPp the launch of the new Wicked movie sequel.
Two other pantos are being staged at Sheringham Little Theatre in the New Year.
Snow *hite – Rotten to the Core is an adult panto by a professional cast for ages 18-plus running from January 9-12
And Ali Baba and the Four Tea Thieves sees a revival of the amateur panto by North Norfolk District Council from January 31 to February 1, raising funds for charity.
