I haven’t been to a pantomime since I was a child. As it turns out, pantos are much more enjoyable when you’re old enough to understand the jokes.
In the return of Manchester’s Opera House panto, local favourite Jason Manford dons tights for his brilliant portrayal of Robin Hood, stealing from the rich of Nottingham, giving to the poor, and fighting against corruption and tyranny. Once again, he’s joined by Ben Nickless, this time playing one of Robin’s merry men, Will Scarlett. The duo are hilarious, and their vocals don’t fall flat either. After being imprisoned by the Sherriff of Nottingham (booed in true pantomime style every time he appears on stage), Robin Hood and Willy have an awful night in jail. There are ghosts, ghouls, and renditions of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. It’s loud, it’s chaotic and, it’s perfect panto. And the audience play their part, screaming, shouting, and carrying the play along.
Image courtesy of the Opera House
Meanwhile, Maid Marion is played by the charming Sarah Vaughn, whose character is one of the few sticking to the Robin Hood plot, along with the fabulous Landi Oshinowo as the Spirit of Sherwood.
This is all lots of fun, and the laughter lingers in the air for the full 90 minutes. Robin and Willy get confused sometimes and start referring to each other as Ben and Jason, and you can’t tell if these mistakes are intentional or accidental, but they’re always hilarious. As the sheriff, Adam Strong pokes fun at the audience, much to our delight.
Then there’s an escape from prison, the rescue of Maid Marion, the defeat of the sheriff, the return of King Richard (who looks rather like Willy), and the story is complete. Along the way there are flying cars, references to Liverpool FC’s poor season, that Coldplay incident, and more. It’s without a doubt a brilliant night, for kids, adults and everyone in between. Pantomimes are a Christmas tradition for many, and whether this is your first one at the Opera House or your fourth in a row, it’s definitely worth the trip.
Main image courtesy of the Opera House
Robin Hood is at Manchester Opera House until January 4, 2026. For more information, click here.
