Robin Hood arrived in Shropshire’s answer to Sherwood Forest today to promote Shrewsbury’s annual pantomime, which will this year be performed at the Music Hall for the last time.

Jim Alexander, who played Joe Walker on ITV’s London’s Burning between 1998 and 2000, will be taking to the stage as Robin Hood in December. But this week he was out and about in the county.

He visited the Hawkstone Park Follies yesterday with pantomime producer John Spillers, who wrote a new version of the famous story especially for Shrewsbury.

It will be the last panto at the Music Hall before the new theatre opens in February 2009, and

Mr Spillers said: “It’s going to be quite a different type of show. In my whole career, I have only ever produced Robin Hood three times.

“In fact, the first panto I appeared in was Robin Hood and I was Friar Tuck in 1966.”

Mr Spillers said he was a bit sceptical when Adam Burgan, programme and marketing manager at the Music Hall, asked him to put on Robin Hood.

He said: “I said it was not the most popular of pantos but Adam wanted it because the television show has been so popular and he’s already proved me wrong with sales up 20 per cent on this time last year.

“I personally did not think it would sell but they have pulled all the stops out and it’s going to be a top show with everything going for it and very strong in comedy.”

Mr Alexander said he was excited to be performing in Shrewsbury and said he was looking forward to getting to know the town better.

He said: “Shrewsbury looks beautiful and it’s quite oldy-worldy and it’s the perfect setting for Robin Hood.

“I’ve not read the script yet but I’m interested to look at my part. Robin Hood is a national, traditional hero.”

Mr Alexander is currently performing in the Importance of Being Earnest, which will come to the Ludlow Assembly Rooms at the end of September.

By Rebecca Lawrence