Robin Hood

Sheringham’s independent shops are under threat from takeover – by the Sheriff of Nottingham.

But it’s all right. Robin Hood is out to save the day and deliver a pantomime happy ending.

The Little Theatre’s version of the famous forest folklore tale promises to give a local flavour to the classic panto cocktail of corny comedy, music, dance, action, adventure, romance, bow and arrow battles and a dragon.

Robin Hood, which runs from December 13 to January 4, takes some of the plot and cast from the production which was a smash hit at Sheringham’s sister theatre, St George’s at Great Yarmouth last Christmas.

But panto-holic creator Nick Earnshaw, who is writing, directing and performing in the cast, says he has made some major changes so it is brand new for its trip around the coast.

“It is still set in Nottingham but we want to make it bespoke for Sheringham so there will be lots of local references, including my sheriff wanting to take over the shops.

“The Yarmouth show didn’t have a dame, but Sheringham loves one so I have turned Little John into Little Jane!”

Jane will be played by Little Theatre favourite Ollie Westlake from Southrepps in his first ever dame role.

Robin is played by Charlie Randall, Maid Marian by Alice Frances, Friar Tuck by Mark Skilton, while Emma Riches is another character who has undergone a “sex change” as Jill rather than Will Scarlett.

Three teams of seven local youngsters are being auditioned to perform alongside the professional cast as villagers, the sheriff’s henchmen and Robin’s Merry Crew.

Nick said the music would include pop classics from Queen and Spandau Ballet as well as more modern material from Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.

There will also be special effects including an “epic arrow fight” and a puppet dragon, plus the obligatory audience participation –when children can put their parents in the dock to be judged by the sheriff.

Two other pantos are being staged at the Little Theatre in New Year: Snow *hite – Rotten to the Core an 18-plus adult panto from January 9-12; and an amateur panto Ali Baba and the Four Tea Thieves presented by North Norfolk District Council from January 31 to February 1 raising funds for charity.

Tickets for Robin Hood are £20 adults, u-16s £15, family ticket £60, with gold tickets for premium dates Christmas Eve and Boxing Day  at £25, £20 and £80.

School shows are available, bookable through the box office on 01263 822347.

All ticket details are at www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com