Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood

Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks

When my granddaughter Lauren asked me what the connection between Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood was, I asked one of the show volunteers.

He said that it does take some working out.

However, with the help of the Woodland Fairy (Anna Kumble, aka pop star Lolly) the two stories nicely melded together in a tale that took the audience from the deepest depths of Sherwood Forest, to a cosy little cottage and then on to the formidable castle of the Sheriff of Nottingham.

The villain of the show, the Sheriff (Neighbours actor Alan Fletcher), is bleeding the peasants dry, taking everything they have.

Maid Marian (panto newcomer Alexandra Da Silva) tries to help her friends, Little John (X Factor's Andy Abraham), Nurse Nellie (Robert Pearce) and Silly Billy (Ant Payne) by giving them some money - but the evil Sheriff takes the cash.

The Sheriff also has a cunning plan. If he marries Maid Marian then his way will be clear to take the throne. However, there is a hitch.

The 'babes' are next in line to the throne and they are being hidden by Nurse Daisy in the woods at Maid Marian's cottage.

Everybody is told to keep them a secret but under duress from the Sheriff, Silly Billy reveals all.

) has returned from fighting in the wars and has come back to save the villagers. He falls in love with Maid Marian and vows to put everything to right.Rebecca LaurenRobin Hood (

Meanwhile, the evil Sheriff resorts to dark magic and spirits away the two youngsters, so Robin, the villagers and his friends then have to rescue the children from the castle.

Nurse Daisy and Silly Billy provided a stream of Christmas cracker jokes and ad libbing which had the audience in stitches.

As for their hilarious pantomime horse routine - it has to be seen to be believed. Whether the collapsible horses were part of the original act is debatable, but if not, it should definitely be left in.

Newcomers Alexandra (Maid Marian) and Rebecca (Robin) certainly looked as though they had been doing panto for years and were relaxed in their roles. They have lovely voices and their duet was beautiful.

As for Little John, he could sing, act and dance and he has nice red and green legs - and if you want to know what I am referring to, you need to watch the dance of the 12 legged man!

Of course, the star of the show, Alan Fletcher, was just that - a star. He gave a polished performance and interacted well with the audience.

His evil laugh made everyone want to boo him - very loudly - and his rock and roll scene with his evil crew shows he can sing too.

There was never a dull moment in this traditional panto, featuring lots of song, dance and action all the way through.

The colourful sets and elaborate costumes added to the magic, creating a real feel-good atmosphere.

My nine-year-old granddaughter Lauren thought the show was "fantastic" and one mother I spoke to during the break said that she brought her children to the panto every year and this was the best yet.

In the words of a famous TV dance judge, it was FAB-U-LOUS!

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks until January 7. Tickets from £12.50. Call 01732 450175 or visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk