Robin Hood – that giant of the Age of Heroes – was first seen on stage at the Wimbledon Theatre in 1915 as the big brother of the eponymous hero – or rather heroine – Little Red Riding Hood. 120 years later, the theatre is now known as the New Wimbledon Theatre and Robin of Sherwood is the star of the show, the latest in this theatre’s tradition of slick, effect-filled, high quality pantomimes. In the hands – and pecs – of the charismatic Ashley Banjo, this Robin is more than a match for the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, the ever-reliable Steve Arnott ever-reliably chewing the furniture. But isn’t he always, I hear you say? Well yes, but, as well as portraying a wisecracking dead-shot, Ashley Banjo is the leader of Diversity, the astonishingly polished street dance group which won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and has appeared on and off on screen and stage (and radio) ever since. The main dancers in Diversity – there since the beginning – are Jordan Banjo (Little John) and Perri Kiely as Perri, er, “Hood”. The choreography of the nine-strong group is predictably superb or “amazingly amazing” in the words of my six-year-old co-critic.
The hardest role to fill in a pantomime is usually the principal girl and Lauren Hampton gives Maid Marion her all, while the utterly brilliant Pete Firman of the Magic Circle is Robin’s sidekick, Will Scarlet. Firman is, inarguably, the best comedy-magician around (check his socials if you need convincing). As well as some classic tricks, Firman performs a terrific routine with some young audience members – although come on, ATG, a plastic Stanley cup makes a pretty poor prize for little ‘uns.
Robin Hood isn’t the obvious choice for a pantomime but Harry Michaels’ script provides a great framework for some classic routines especially a window-cleaning slop-scene, and Michaels has cleverly added a fairy godmother in the form of the Spirit of Sherwood, a sparkling Amelia Walker. The only thing that’s missing is a dame but at least Timi Baer’s hard-working wardrobe team deliver some wonderful costumes and family-friendly script incorporates plenty of gags, one-liners, topical asides and double-entendres that only the older section of the audience will appreciate. One small complaint is the volume, which is close to deafening at times – so if you’re coming with anyone little bring some ear defenders (older audience members will still complain that it isn’t loud enough!).
Peter Pan next year. I can’t wait.
Review by Louis Mazzini
Get ready for an adventure like no other as street dance sensations Ashley Banjo and Diversity take over Sherwood Forest this Christmas, joined by comedian and magician Pete Firman plus an outstanding cast led by panto villain Steve Arnott and musical theatre stars Lauren Hampton and Amelia Walker.
ROBIN HOOD
New Wimbledon Theatre
6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
