THOUGHT panto season was behind you?

Oh no it’s not! Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is at the Parr Hall until Sunday after starting its Warrington run at the weekend.

Families can expect a traditional tale of good triumphing over evil blended with contemporary pop and some impressive moves thanks to Felicia Burns School of Dance students in a variety of supporting roles. The Warrington school has been part of the annual production for 20 years, working alongside the team at Tony Peers Productions.

Featuring Robin Hood (Louise Willoughby) and Maid Marian (Charlotte Buxton), the story follows Prince John and his quest to become the king of England following the death of his brother King Richard. Prince John finds that his deepest desire is suddenly within grasp – but just two small things stand in his way: his brother’s children.

Knutsford Guardian:

In a fiendish bid to seize the crown, the prince enlists the help of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Ian Moore) to have his brother’s children kidnapped and killed.

The light-hearted story is easy to follow for youngsters with several handy rhyming recaps from the Fairy of the Forest (Naomi Fox) throughout.

And it is excellently paced with lots of pop culture references and mild innuendo in between as well as slapstick antics with Dame Nellie (Phil Beck) and Silly Billy (Mike Carnell).

Knutsford Guardian:

These comic interludes – such as the ‘Celine Dion’ moment, classroom and Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook-inspired scene – kept the energy up throughout in a show with no dull moments. Ian Moore was particularly enjoyable to watch as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham in his 60th pantomime.

With the help of henchman Snarley (Ed Leigh), his exaggerated growls and the evil eyes he gave members of the audience left us in fits of laughter. He was proper panto villain material through and through.

Knutsford Guardian:

The charismatic Mike Carnell was also a natural with the kids as Silly Billy with his high energy routines.

And Phil Beck deserves much praise for both directing the panto and starring as Nellie. It is his sixth production at Parr Hall in a 20-year career. Add to that great sets and backdrops and you have a great – and good value – family show that will keep the festive spirit going just that little longer.

Tickets are from £10.50. Call the box office on 442345 or visit pyramidparrhall.com