"Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood"
Sunday 8th December 2025
"Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood"
Spotlight Theatre
4 Stars
For those unfamiliar, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is a lively pantomime set in Sherwood Forest. The story follows Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they outwit the notorious Sheriff of Nottingham while protecting two young children. Packed with adventure, humour, and magical moments, this production is an entertaining treat for audiences of all ages.
This production of Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood is performed by arrangement with Amanda Hall Scripts. Spotlight Theatre brings this lively, heartwarming pantomime to life with a cast full of energy, charm, and fun. Even without knowing the story beforehand, the show pulls you straight in with its colourful characters, upbeat songs, and performers clearly enjoying every moment on stage.
Tegan plays Maid Marian, the brave and clever heroine of the story. Marian is compassionate, clever, and loyal, and Tegan delivers her with grace, charm, and spirited energy. She shares a strong chemistry with Robin Hood, creating moments of tenderness, humour, and courage. Her performance highlights Marian’s intelligence and bravery, making her a truly inspiring character.
Graham Ward plays the Sheriff of Nottingham, the primary antagonist of the story. The Sheriff is cunning, villainous, scheming, arrogant, and completely obsessed with catching Robin Hood. Graham brings him to life with mischief, over-the-top menace, and brilliant comic flair. Every sneer, every exaggerated gesture, and every dramatic moment makes him a real joy to boo and hiss at. He delivers the perfect pantomime villain — entertaining, larger-than-life, and full of delightful tension and humour throughout the show.
Joe Butler, who plays Fairy Clumber, is the show’s magical, whimsical guide, blending warmth, charm, and playful mischief. Starting the show with sign language was a thoughtful, inclusive touch, and she manages acting, singing, and movement with impressive skill and precision. Fairy Clumber guides the story with sparkle and humour, adding a touch of enchantment to every scene. She also performed a solo of “Oh So Quiet” by Björk, which was absolutely beautiful and I really enjoyed listening to her. I have seen her previously in other productions, but I had never heard her sing this song before, and it was a truly delightful surprise. I would have loved to see more of her sign language throughout the show, but I completely understand that it’s not always possible, as acting, dancing, and singing all at the same time is incredibly challenging.
George Young plays Allan A’Dale, Robin Hood’s loyal and witty companion. Allan is clever, quick-thinking, and often provides comic relief in tense situations. George brings him to life with playful energy, charm, and excellent timing, creating scenes filled with humour and fun. Allan’s interactions with Robin Hood and the Merry Men are dynamic and lively, and his clever antics make him both memorable and entertaining.
Oliver Smith takes on Little John, the strong, dependable, and loyal member of the Merry Men. Little John is a protector, a supporter of Robin Hood, and a source of humour and warmth. Oliver’s performance combines physical comedy, timing, and commanding presence, making Little John both heroic and entertaining. He plays off the ensemble with confidence, creating memorable interactions and comedic moments.
Helena portrays Will Scarlett, the mischievous and lively member of the Merry Men. Will is quick-witted, cheeky, and playful, often adding humour and unpredictability to the group. Helena brings energy, spark, and comedic timing, creating laugh-out-loud moments while helping to move the story forward. Her playful personality engages the audience and adds charm to the ensemble scenes.
Jo Holt plays David of Doncaster, a faithful and earnest friend to Robin Hood. David is loyal, sincere, and caring, balancing the humour and chaos with grounded, emotional presence. Jo’s portrayal is warm, relatable, and expressive, making David a character audiences can root for. Her interactions add heart and depth, enhancing the story’s emotional resonance.
Preston Nash plays Much, a youthful, enthusiastic, and playful member of the Merry Men. Much is eager, fun-loving, and loyal, often adding humour and energy to the ensemble. Preston’s performance is confident, charming, and highly engaging, and seeing him perform with increased confidence from previous shows adds extra delight. His antics and interactions bring lightheartedness and joy to the production.
Madelyn Pritchard as Lady Catherine, a regal, witty, and clever character, adding elegance and sophistication to the courtly scenes. Lady Catherine is observant and humorous, often providing commentary and interacting playfully with other characters. Madelyn brings polish, charm, and comedic timing, creating memorable moments and enhancing the visual and narrative appeal of the pantomime.
Patrick McChrystal brings Silly Billy to life with outstanding comedic instinct and infectious audience interaction. Silly Billy is the heart of the comedy, full of chaotic energy, cheeky humour, and lovable silliness. Patrick’s trademark call-and-response “Ay-Up!” “Ay-Up Duck!” becomes one of the show’s most joyful running gags, instantly bonding the audience with the cast. He commands the stage with quick wit, ad-libs, and slapstick brilliance, keeping both children and adults laughing continuously. His duet scenes with Nanny Annie Goodbody are comic gold, showcasing perfect chemistry, timing, and a shared sense of fun that lifts the entire theatre.
Mike Pearson who's is playing as Friar Tuck Mike brings warmth, charm, and playful humour to Friar Tuck, the jolly, grounded, and wise member of the Merry Men. Having previously performed as a Dame, it’s wonderful to see him in a different role, bringing energy, heart, and well-timed comedy. His presence adds depth, fun, and a comforting, homely feel to the group, especially during mischievous scenes with the Merry Men.
Joseph Smith plays the classic panto dame, Nanny Annie Goodbody, with big personality, bold costume, and even bigger laughs. She is flamboyant, fearless, and delivers hilarious one-liners, cheeky interactions, and exaggerated expressions. Her partnership with Silly Billy creates fast-paced, chaotic, and charming comedy, filling the stage with warmth and pantomime magic.
Children’s Company – Team Wellow: Orla, Hattie, Sarah, Kessia, Oscar, Mia, Emma, and Clio.
Team Wellow bring wonderful energy and charm to the production. Their performances are full of enthusiasm, precision, and joy, adding extra sparkle to every scene. Their dances are precise, joyful, and full of character, with each child performing with a big smile and strong stage presence. They bring Sherwood Forest to life with vibrant energy, helping to fill group scenes with movement and excitement.
Performing on the following dates: Thursday 11th Dec 7pm, Saturday 13th Dec 2pm & 7pm, Wednesday 17th Dec 10am & 2pm, Friday 19th Dec 7pm, Saturday 20th Dec 2pm, Sunday 21st Dec 4pm).
Senior Company – Team Wellow: Evie, Jess, Miley, Olivia, and Isobel.
The Senior Company brings wonderful energy, confidence, and polish to the production. Evie, Jess, Miley, Olivia, and Isobel each contribute precise choreography, strong stage presence, and expressive performance, adding depth and sparkle to group scenes. Their enthusiasm and professionalism enhance the overall magic of Sherwood Forest, supporting the main cast and helping to fill every moment on stage with life and excitement.
Adult Ensemble – Hermione, Alannah Hills, Jess Henley-Marshall, Sophie Benner & Emily Holder.
The Adult Ensemble brings a powerful backbone to the production, elevating every scene with precision, confidence, and magnetic stage presence. Their work seamlessly fills Sherwood Forest with life, movement, and character.
Hermione brings expressive detail to every moment she’s onstage, shifting effortlessly between roles. Whether creating atmosphere, supporting choreography, or reacting in the background, she ensures the world of the story always feels active and believable.
Alannah Hills lights up the stage with her bright energy and commitment. Her timing, reactions, and movement work give scenes depth and polish, and her enthusiasm enriches both the comic and dramatic moments of the show.
Jess Henley-Marshall delivers crisp choreography, clean transitions, and strong vocal support. She brings a confident presence that strengthens big musical numbers and group scenes, adding shape, rhythm, and clarity to the storytelling.
Sophie Benner adds personality and flair in every appearance. Her expressions, physicality, and stage awareness make her a standout in the ensemble, and she consistently enhances scenes with humour, heart, and sharp performance skills. She brings a natural energy and enthusiasm that lifts the entire stage, reacting to both the main cast and audience with perfect timing. Whether in supporting choreography, musical numbers, or ensemble interactions, Sophie’s commitment and attention to detail help create a lively, engaging atmosphere. Her ability to blend seamlessly into group scenes while still making a memorable impact shows both versatility and professionalism, making her an invaluable part of the production.
Emily Holder brings bright, confident energy to the stage, contributing both strong character work and expressive performance. Whether supporting the main cast or enhancing group scenes, Emily shows real commitment and focus, always giving 100% to every moment she’s on stage. Her reactions, timing, and movement work help build the atmosphere of Sherwood Forest, and she adds warmth, humour, and clarity to the storytelling. Emily is a reliable, engaging performer whose presence strengthens the ensemble and elevates the production as a whole.
Together, this ensemble is vital to the success of the production, lifting the main cast, filling the stage with dynamic energy, and giving Sherwood Forest a sense of community and magic. Their professionalism and enthusiasm shine through in every moment.
Amanda Hall and Liam Arthur Petruccio-Hall have delivered an outstanding production as Writers, Directors, and Producers, bringing together the strongest cast I’ve ever seen for this pantomime. Their direction perfectly balances comedy, music, and action, ensuring every performer shines while keeping the story engaging and lively. From pacing to humour, Amanda and Liam’s vision guides the show seamlessly, creating moments of magic, laughter, and heart that resonate with audiences of all ages. The production feels polished, professional, and full of joy a true testament to their skill and dedication.
Costume Designer was Sophie Petruccio-Hall. She created vibrant and imaginative costumes that perfectly reflected each character’s personality. Robin Hood looked heroic, Fairy Clumber sparkled with magic, and the Sheriff’s outfits were delightfully villainous. Every costume added colour, movement, and energy, helping the characters truly come alive on stage.
Choreographer was Megan Leahy, assisted by Charlotte Barrington. Their choreography was lively, playful, and precise, giving every musical number sparkle and flair. The routines blended beautifully with the comedy and story, keeping the pace fast, fun, and full of energy.
Stage Manager was Laura McChrystal. She kept the show running like clockwork, coordinating props, scene changes, and cues flawlessly. Every transition was smooth, letting the performers focus on their acting and ensuring the audience never missed a moment.
Set Designers were Amanda Hall, Laura McChrystal, and Mike Pearson. They created clear and functional sets, including a castle, a forest, and a children’s bedroom. While the scenes didn’t change frequently, the designs provided a strong sense of place and context, supporting the storytelling effectively. The simplicity of the sets allowed the performers and costumes to shine, keeping the action easy to follow while giving Sherwood Forest a believable and engaging backdrop.
Lighting Designer was Oliver Reed. His lighting highlighted both comedy and drama perfectly. Colours, focus, and timing enhanced every scene, guiding the audience’s attention and creating atmosphere without a single hiccup.
Production Design was handled by College Street Technical Services CIC. Their expert support kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Sound, lighting, and scene cues were flawless, giving the show a polished, professional, and magical finish.
A huge thank you to the team at Pixie Dust Dancewear for providing the goody bags for this year’s pantomime, adding an extra touch of magic and delight for the kids who get invited to go onto the stage with Patrick McChrystal and Joe Butler!.
This production of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is full of heart, humour, and spectacle. From Hemi’s heroic Robin Hood to Patrick and Nanny Annie’s laugh-out-loud antics, Fairy Clumber’s charm, and the adorable Babes in the Wood, every scene bursts with energy and magic. Spotlight Theatre has delivered a joyful, polished pantomime that audiences of all ages will adore.
Looking ahead, Spotlight Theatre’s next pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, promises a brand-new production never before seen in Nottingham — this is definitely one not to be missed!
Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood produced by Spotlight Theatre is at Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 21st December 2025.
Photos by Martin Holtom 
Review written By Owen Brindley
