Robin Hood is perfect recipe for a very merry pantomime
Robin Hood at the Helix Theatre, Dublin (until January 20)
Tickets: from €19.50
Verdict: A feast of family fun
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen... It’s a legend that’s captivated many an audience over the years, both young and old — and now the tale of the outlaw of Sherwood Forest is interpreted in panto as this year’s festive offering at the Helix Theatre.
Of course, there’s a slightly different spin on the original in this adaptation by TheatreWorx, and it’s got a distinctly Dublin vibe.
The gist is Robin (played by Gavin Ryan), and his group of merry men seek to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham (Paul Byrom brilliantly reprises his role here as the evil panto villain).
If Robin Hood shoots true at the arrow contest, he’ll be declared the chosen one.
However, the evil Sheriff also wants to be the King of Merryville and has an wicked plan up his sleeve. This includes capturing Maid Marion (Ciara Mackey).
So can Robin’s Mum, Dame Lola (Chris Corroon) help distract the Sheriff — who has a not-so-secret crush on her — and save the day? And will Robin and Maid Marion stop their bickering and declare their true love to one and all?
Well, you might have guessed the answer, but my advice is to bring the family and see for yourself.
There’s singing and dancing aplenty, with lots of chart-toppers thrown in to delight the audience. Particular highlights include Just Got Paid, sung by Lola, who is hilarious and a joy to watch, and Lady Gaga’s heartfelt Shallow, sung by Marion and Robin.
Of course, a panto is not a panto without some cheeky references to the big stories or laughs of the year, and there’s great comedic value in the use of Aoife McGregor’s infamous phone message to her dog groomer.
All of the kids seemed to have a whale of a time, and there were all ages present. My girls, aged two and three, were not familiar with the story of Robin Hood beforehand but the magic of a production like this is that it doesn’t really matter.
They got swept up with the atmosphere and that is testament to the talent and thought that has gone into this very entertaining production.
My favourite character? Well it has to be the adorable Bradley, the dog, who happens to be Paul Byrom’s pooch. Don’t let the fact that he’s the naughty Sheriff’s sidekick colour your opinion. He steals the show.
LISA BRADY