The magic of panto: Robin Hood at the Birmingham Hippodrome 'five stars!' - review

As always, the Birmingham Hippodrome offers panto on a huge scale and is the epitome of family festive fun, oozing comedy gold, stunning special effects, unbelievable magical moments as well as plenty of opportunities for audience participation. 

The show is topical, relevant, inclusive and has a naughty, cheeky feel to it to keep the adults amused, moving slightly away from the very essence of traditional panto seen in other regional offerings in the area.

This panto is a visual extravaganza. The special effects, (watch out for the wolf kids!) will shock and amaze. The scenery, props and costumes, straight from the London Palladium, are simply outstanding, as are the lighting plot and sound. Believe me, this is panto on a whole new level.

Matt Slack retains his crown as the king of panto comedians. In fact I laughed so much I ached. His quick fire gags don’t give you time enough to recover from laughing before he is on to the next one. His appeal, personality and charisma are second to none; the man is a star!

Fashionista and all round nice guy, Gok Wan is charming as Robin Hood’s side kick, “Gok Scarlet”, and the comedic chemistry between Matt and Gok is tangible, so much so that they must be off stage pals too. Their ad libs are worth the price of a ticket alone! 

Steps pop princess, Faye Tozer, is in fine voice as Maid Marion, treating the audience to a couple of her greatest hits. I mean who doesn’t love Steps! But there is more to Faye than her singing. She is funny too, although how she kept a straight face in her scenes with Gok and Matt, I’ll never know! 

X Factor winner, Matt Cardle is suitable evil and the perfect villain as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and remained completely unphased when his trousers split on stage, which raised a huge laugh! That’s live theatre for you folks!

Sandra Marvin is a fabulous fairy the “Spirit of Sherwood”, offering another excellent vocal performance, but no panto is complete without its dame and Robin Hood has the very best.

Andrew Ryan as Dame Henrietta Hood is everything you would hope for in this quirky role that only panto goers really understand. She is a lady, a comedian, a singer, a dancer and a quick change artist all rolled into one.

From an hilarious strip tease routine to costumes incorporating everything from toadstools to a maypole and an actual castle, all while delivering an hilarious script and singing too, Andrew Ryan is the ultimate professional.

There are impressive acrobatics from The Acromaniacs, reminiscent of circuses and pantos of old and a talented, hard working ensemble of ten superb dancers and singers who complete this excellent cast.

But wait! I’ve forgotten someone. The ultimate treat of the night was none other than panto royalty Christopher Biggins who appears as King Richard, and is celebrating his 60th year in panto this year. Sixty years of so much fun at Christmas, what a lucky man and lucky us who get to see him this year.

Arriving on a chariot with his horses aptly named Andrew and Fergie, Biggins swoops in and out of the scenes only to be told “not yet Biggins!” But, when the time is right, he steals the show. It an honour and privilege to see Biggins on stage.

The musical score is a balanced mix of popular and original tunes, expertly delivered by Musical Director Robert Willis and an excellent band.

Director and choreographer, Karen Bruce, has created a fast paced, slick production which runs as smooth as silk and the whole Crossroads Live theatre production company should be applauded for every aspect of this huge undertaking.

Robin Hood is yet another triumph of a panto courtesy of the Birmingham Hippodrome, so grab the family and enjoy the highly entertaining treat that is pantomime this festive period. 

Rob from the rich for a ticket! 

Robin Hood runs until February 1, 2026. Visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0121 689 3000 to book.

Pictures by Paul Coltas