YOU don't always need a big company to put on a spectacular pantomime or at least that is the case when it comes to a pantomime which has been produced by Magic Light Productions!

Robin Hood is currently running at Theatr Colwyn until Saturday, January 7. The show features returning favourite Steve Bloor as Robin Hood, Lukas Kirkby as the merriest of men Johnny Bach, Erin Dolan as Maid Marian and Libby and Stuart Loughland, directors and producers of Magic Light Productions, who play The Evil Sheriff of Nottingham and Dame Molly Maypole.

From the moment the curtains open, the audience is transported to another world or in this case Sherwood Forest and the town of Nottingham. There is music, dancing, audience rapport and banter, innuendos, incredible costumes, bright colourful sets, high energy as well as a fabulous puppet scene. 

There is plenty of silliness from Robin and his gang. There is one scene involving a tree that presents a 'drink' when you sing to it: 'Tiddley tree, Tiddley tree, have you got a drink for me' that generated plenty of laughs with Robin getting soaked more than once! Another great scene was when Robin, Dame Molly Maypole and Johnny Bach performed an alternative 12 days of christmas song in a line. It was just brilliant but looked so exhausting - 'oh yes it did'!

The interaction with the audience was spot-on. When a mum and youngster left the auditorium (presumably for a bathroom break) Dame Molly Maypole was quick to shout out: 'It's not that bad, it gets better in the second half.' Puppet dragon 'Ziggy' also became 'fascinated' with audience member Chris (the risk you always take sitting in the front row!). There was a real family feel to the show. Robin Hood has panto traditions aplenty such as 'he's-behind-you' moments, booing and hissing, a 'soaking' from a water gun and a love story with Robin marrying his 'best friend' Maid Marian in the end. 

The whole cast puts their all into the performance. Actors and actresses were supported by dancers from Pearl Shaw School of Performing Arts who looked in their element and delighted to be on stage. 

Overall Robin Hood is fantastically funny, and a great example of how panto should be done! To book, visit www.theatrcolwyn.co.uk/shows/robin-hood or telephone 01492 556677.