After 129 hours of rehearsals and 83 live performances, The Legend of Robin Hood is now back to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
The traditional family pantomime is produced by the Suffolk theatre and directed by the theatre’s own artistic director, Owen Calvert-Lyons.
The Legend of Robin Hood will be on the stage from November 25 to January 15.
The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds spokesperson said: “Even though the panto finishes in January, the legacy of any regional theatre’s annual pantomime will continue long after your belly no longer aches from laughing and your clothes have dried out from the inevitable ‘slosh’ scene.
“Pantomime is often the first experience a child may have of theatre – whether this be visiting with their school or with family.
“Studies have proven that young people who visit theatres as children are more likely to continue booking tickets and seeing shows throughout their lives.
“That is the power that a pantomime has over its youngest audience members.”
Samuel Knight will play Robin of Loxley, the hero of the people and dashing outlaw, while Jessica Dennis will appear as Maid Marion.
Chris Clarkson will play Little Joan, the local baker and proprietor of ‘Little Joan’s Big Baps’.
Craig Painting will play the sheriff of Nottingham, an evil egomaniac lusting for power and wealth.
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds’s mission is to “transform the lives of people in its local community through the power of the performing arts” and ensure that everyone, at all stages of their lives, regardless of background or personal circumstance, should have equal opportunity to engage in extraordinary cultural experiences.
Theatre Royal has established relationships with 91 schools and educational establishments across the region to bring the power of performing arts into the classroom.
Theatre Royal’s pantomimes are legendary, with newly commissioned adaptations each year and original costumes designed and created in Bury St Edmunds.
The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds spokesperson added: "There’s nothing like getting together with your family and friends for a laugh at Christmas, and The Legend of Robin Hood at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
“Knowing that you are indirectly supporting an ecosystem of artists and theatre makers who are making a difference to the lives of people in our community is an added bonus!”
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