New Wimbledon Theatre- until Sunday 4th January 2026
Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge
5*****
Robin Hood at the New Wimbledon Theatre delivers exactly what a Christmas Panto should: colour, chaos, comedy and plenty of fun. It’s a high energy, interactive production that leans heavily on spectacle with moments of genuine magic- whether that be from the spectacular dancing of Robin Hood and his Merry Men (Ashley Banjo and Diversity) or the actual magic performed by the amazing Will (Pete Firman) – even despite some storytelling occasionally getting lost in all the fabulous glitz and sparkle.
From the exact moment the curtain rises, the show makes its intentions very clear: this is a panto powered by dance and modern pop staging. Ashley Banjo and Diversity are the spectacle of the evening, creating awe and astonishment with their sharp choreography and a contemporary feel that keeps the younger audience members thoroughly engaged, along with the older audience members watching in wonder too. Whenever they’re on stage, the energy spikes, the auditorium practically vibrates, constantly matching the energy of the dance group.
Will Scarlet (Pete Firman) is another standout, fitting tightly timed comedy and slick magic tricks into the narrative. He nails the panto sweet spot; cheeky but not overstepping the family-friendly line. The Sheriff of Nottingham (Steve Arnott) is gloriously villainous- boo-hiss panto perfection- played with just the right amount of wicked glee. Maid Marion (Lauren Hampton) is simply radiant from her first moment on stage, her singing beautiful alongside her warm and confident presence. And, of course, we have the Spirit of Sherwood (Amelia Walker) who acts as the heart and guide of this whole pantomime adventure.
In true panto fashion, the plot is more of a loose thread than a tight weave, with Ashley and Banjo being the main spectacle with set-pieces and crowd participation aplenty- and that’s fine, because the production never pretends to be anything other than that. Younger children will simply love the effects and audience shouts; adults will enjoy the innuendos and knowing winks.
The show is at its best in big set-pieces with large ensemble numbers, comedy bits that escalate into absurdity, and phenomenal dance sequences throughout. All the vocals are solid throughout, but it’s the choreography and staging that provide the evening’s most memorable moments.
Overall, it was a wonderful and magical production with everything needed for a fun-filled festive time with family and friends. One to definitely watch if you’re seeking an entertaining, uplifting but slightly different pantomime.