Robin Hood
Barnfield Theatre, Exeter | 30–31 December
Produced by Wonder Pantomimes
Directed by Katie Bottoms
Written by Lee Redwood
★★★★☆
A hardworking cast and a scene-stealing Silly Billy lift this Robin Hood into four-star pantomime territory.
Pantomime remains one of the most democratic forms of live theatre, and Wonder Panto’s touring production of Robin Hood at Exeter’s Barnfield Theatre demonstrates just how effectively festive entertainment can be delivered to a broad and appreciative audience.
This Robin Hood is clearly a script of its time. Written by Lee Redwood some years ago, the humour leans heavily on dated references — Noel Edmonds being one notable example — and some topical jokes land awkwardly now. A pointed gag about “stealing from the rich to give to the poor,” reframed through a Universal Credit joke, felt particularly misjudged given that a significant portion of the audience may well have personal experience of the issue.
However, the sheer effort and skill of the cast more than compensate for the script’s shortcomings. This small ensemble worked relentlessly, delivering energetic performances, strong vocals, and a palpable sense of joy that carried the production forward.
The standout by some distance was Silly Billy, played with impeccable comic timing by Toby George-Waters. His performance was joyful, confident, and consistently funny, anchoring the show whenever the material threatened to falter. Scott Alley’s Robin Hood was earnest and vocally strong, though emotionally harder to fully engage with. A refreshing twist saw Maid Marian (Amy Langton-Smith) take the decisive shot in defeating the Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Freya Etherington in her first professional role, who gave a confident and commanding performance.
The Dame, played by Shaun Gourley, was less convincing overall, hampered by underpowered material, though the slapstick interaction with Silly Billy landed well. Two scenes stood out: Robin’s dreamlike serenade to Marian, hilariously derailed by Billy’s jealous interruption, and a brilliantly choreographed musical routine featuring the male performers cloaked as traitors, rhythmically clashing dangling pans with wooden spoons — a genuinely hysterical moment.
At just £14 for an under-16 ticket, this production offers excellent value and underlines pantomime’s role as an accessible gateway to live theatre. While the script may show its age, the cast’s tireless commitment, strong musical performances, and infectious humour ensured the audience — adults included — were entertained royally. This is pantomime powered by hard work, heart, and a Silly Billy who makes sure the magic lands.
Robin Hood is still on tour and is at Buckfastleigh Town Hall on 10th January and the tour closes on the 11th at The Palace Theatre, Paignton
