The recipe for a successful panto would be plenty of audience participation, a sprinkling of song and dance, all mixed in with cheesy jokes and slapstick.

And Robin Hood at The Woodville had all the right ingredients to be the perfect antidote to the events of 2021.

From the moment the curtain went up, my three-year-old was enthralled. And by the end of it she was dancing in the aisle (quite literally).

My six-year-old was equally entertained. His favourite character was Robin Hood. Stewart McCheyne, from CBBC’s Andy and the Odd Socks, impressively kept his strong Scottish accent hidden throughout the show, playing the funny and slightly camp hero.

There were lots of jokes aimed at the mums and dads, mostly from Mama G and Nick Nolan who play Dame Tuck and sidekick Silly Willy Scarlett. Be prepared for lots of innuendo and hope the quips about Silly Willy go over your little ones' heads.

You had to a spare a thought for the man in the front row who, at various points throughout the show, had to stand up and shout to Mama G: 'I love you, you piece of hot totty'. Poor Paul might have had some awkward questions from his grandchildren on the way home after being the subject of Dame Tamara Tuck's advances.

Chris Donnelly, winner of Sky 1’s Got to Dance, was brilliant in his Woodville debut as Little John.

He got to show off his skills in a dance-off with Robin Hood and competing as a Michael Jackson tribute in Nottingham's Got Talent.

After a terrible year for the theatre industry, it was great to see panto return to the stage. There were lots of references to the events of 2021 including lockdown, Matt Hancock and the petrol shortage.

One of the best bits was the 'boom box scene' when Robin and Dame Tamara told the story of the year with the help of the lyrics of countless pop songs.

By the end of the evening, the spirit of panto had worked its magic. Everyone was up on their feet jumping along to "Run Rabbit Run" and then dancing to the finale song.

Before the curtain lifted at the start, a booming voice came over the theatre telling people to sit back, enjoy the show and forget about the outside world for the next two hours. And this funny, light-hearted production, full of catchy songs and silly jokes, helped you do just that.

Robin Hood is at The Woodville, Gravesend, until Monday, January 3. To book tickets, click here www.woodville.co.uk/events/robin-hood