Birmingham Hippodrome – until 1st February 2026
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Robin Hood rode into Birmingham Hippodrome this week for a high-energy, star-packed festive run. Produced once again by Crossroad Pantomimes and featuring scenery and costumes from last year’s London Palladium production, the show is given a distinctly Brummie adaptation. Robin Hood showcases why the Hippodrome remains one of the UK’s most reliable homes of large-scale panto.
Leading the production is Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Robin Hood. Back for his 12th Pantomime at the Hippodrome, Slack brings warmth, charm and boundless energy to the role, and judging by the rapturous applause when he first took to the stage, the audience are clearly pleased to see him. His natural comic timing helps drive the show forward. Alongside him, Faye Tozer delivers a confident and modern turn as Maid Marion. She gives the character strength, independence and warmth, while still preserving the romance audiences expect. The chemistry between the pair works well, especially during later scenes when they are attempting to sing a duet together.
The supporting cast adds plenty of sparkle. Gok Wan clearly relishes his role as Gok Scarlet, bringing charisma and playful humour that quickly wins over the audience. His infectious laugh just makes the crowd love him more, especially when he mistakenly called our title hero Kevin! Matt Cardle embraces his villainous turn as the Sheriff of Nottingham, delivering exaggerated menace and encouraging enthusiastic boos in true pantomime style. Comedy is in particularly safe hands with Andrew Ryan as Henrietta Hood. His sharp comic timing, physical humour and confident audience interaction generate many of the evening’s biggest laughs. Sandra Marvin captivates as The Spirit of Sherwood, bringing elegance and a touch of magic to the production, and what a voice!
A highlight is the special appearance from pantomime legend Christopher Biggins as King Richard. His presence adds a sense of occasion, and his experience shines through in every scene. A role that is notoriously played as a fleeting cameo, here Biggins randomly pops up throughout declaring he is “back from the war”, only to be met with a chorus of “Not yet Biggins”. He throws himself into the spirit of the show and wears an array of hilarious outfits including a Baywatch-inspired red swimming costume!
Visually, the show impresses from the moment the curtain rises. The set design by Mark Walters transitions smoothly between Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle, supported by colourful lighting (Rory Beaton) and Karen Bruce’s direction and choreography keep the pace lively and the action clear. There is always something happening to hold the audience’s attention. The costumes (Teresa Nalton/Ron Briggs) are big, bold and joyfully over-the-top in the very best pantomime tradition, while the musical numbers are bursting with energy.
What really makes this production work is its connection with the audience. There are plenty of opportunities to join in, cheeky jokes aimed squarely at the grown-ups, and enough silliness to keep younger theatre-goers laughing throughout. It may not be the most faithful re-telling of the Robin Hood tale, but the entire ensemble ensure we are thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
Overall, Robin Hood at Birmingham Hippodrome is exactly what you want from a pantomime. It is chaotic, colourful and full to the brim with festive laughs. Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime just keeps getting bigger and better each year.