The Stage

Robin Hood

Published Wednesday 21 December 2011 at 18:14 by Kevin Berry

Here is a Robin Hood without the annoying babes in the wood. In fact, a brand new tale in which the Alhambra’s pantomime icon Billy Pearce plays Robin as both hero and funny man.

Andrew Ryan (Nurse Nelly) and Billy Pearce (Robin Hood) in Robin Hood at the Alhambra, Bradford

There have been changes in the creative team for the 14th consecutive Qdos pantomime at the Alhambra. In comes Michael Harrison, managing director of the Qdos Pantomime Division, in place of Jon Conway who wrote most of the previous shows.

The story skids around like a pinball and the joins at times do require a leap of faith, but this pantomime has Pearce on stage. He proves again that he is without equal as a panto performer. When he appears, the audience is alive with expectancy and excitement and that reaction is something to experience. They adore him. This year, among constant explosions of comic joy, he has what must be the funniest fart-based sketch ever. Even your prim great aunt Nellie would love it.

There is gasp-inducing spectacle from Twins Worldwide Ltd, including a huge dragon, with a lovely Yorkshire accent, coming out over the audience and a massive, magical waterfall.

The whole show is a magical experience - but the links need sorting.