Review: Robin Hood pantomime at Nottingham Theatre Royal

Robin Hood and his band of merry men and misfits are delivering the perfect festive gift to the people of Nottingham.

The pantomime season is under way at the Theatre Royal and it is a welcome return to the seasonal extravaganza.

Robin Hood is the obvious choice for the city panto ­— and it has all the ingredients for a smash hit with music, dancing, colourful set, great choice of cast, and, of course, lots and lots of laughs.

In the title role is 2016 X Factor champion Matt Terry who, along with Jodie Prenger as the Sprit of Sherwood, and Lucy May Barker as Maid Marian were in fine voice.

Former Corrie star Tristan Gemmill was a great choice for The Sheriff of Nottingham, the pantomime baddie whose every appearance on stage brought boos from the young audience.

And dance act Flawless, as Robin's merry men, delivered a host of top-class, eye-catching routines.

But the real stars of the show were the comedy acts, who had the audience in stitches from start to finish.

Ventriloquist Kieran Powell was great in the role of Alan-A-Dale and every pantomime needs a dame and Matthew Kelly is a true pro. Donning a series of even more outrageous costumes her made the perfect dame as Dame Tilly Tuck.

But the character that captured the hearts of the audience was Phil Walker as Silly Simon, who was the glue that pulled everything together.

With his "hiya" catchphrase he had great rapport with the audience and certainly the most laugh-out-loud moments.

Together, they took the audience on a fun-filled adventure that was crammed full of entertainment to ensure the youngest audience members were never bored.

It was obvious the cast were having a ball throughout the performance, and that shone through.

Welcome back pantomime! Robin Hood runs until January 9. ­— SH