Oldham’s Robin Hood pantomime met with rave reviews

© Provided by The Oldham Times Cast members from left to right: Ian Crowe, Sophie Ellicott, William Travis, Shorelle Hepkin, Sarah Pearson, Charlie Ryan, Liz Carney and Nathan Morris. (Image: Darren Robinson)

This year’s pantomime Robin Hood has been met with rave reviews as it enters its third week at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

Young people from Oldham have taken to the stage once again to perform alongside the theatre’s professional actors, with three pairs of young actors playing the Babes in the Wood and the return of the pantomime’s chorus of young dancers.

Actors starring in this year’s pantomime include Shorelle Hepkin who is playing Robin Hood, Liz Carney as The Sheriff, William Travis as Friar Tuck, Sarah Pearson as Maid Marian, and Charlie Ryan who has stepped in the Pantomime Dame role as Nurse Nellie.

© Provided by The Oldham Times The Oldham Times: Charlie Ryan as Nurse Nellie Charlie Ryan as Nurse Nellie (Image: Darren Robinson)

The play sees Robin Hood, Friar Tuck and Maid Marian take on The Sheriff who is terrorising Sherwood Forest in a bid to become the richest in the land.

Audience members have called the show “fantastic” and a “must-see”.

Lisa Marie Croft said: “It was fantastic. Much more than I expected. I smiled and laughed from start to end. Brilliant performers and music.

“Thank you for making me smile and laugh more than I have in ages”.

June Crossley commented: “Great panto. We loved it as always”.

Robert Mountain said: “Just an incredible show, amazing actors of all ages. Really funny just loved it”.

Also praising the actors, Peou Natalie Jane said: “My kids absolutely loved it. The actors were fabulous”.

Sadia Naseer added: “An absolute must. It was fabulous as always”.

© Provided by The Oldham Times The Oldham Times: William Travis as Friar Tuck William Travis as Friar Tuck (Image: Darren Robinson)

Earlier this year the Oldham Coliseum Theatre was recognised at The Pantomime Awards.

The theatre’s Celia Perkins won Best Costume Design at the 2022 awards for her work on the theatre’s production of Aladdin.

Shorelle Hepkin was also nominated for Best Principal Boy for her portrayal of the titular character in the production.

Additionally, Celia received a second nomination for Best Set Design.

The pantomime is the biggest show of the year at the Coliseum, attracting audiences of 35,000 people.

Robin Hood runs from November 12 to January 7.

This year’s pantomime is sponsored by George Hill Timber and Building Supplies, N Brown Group, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers and Tax Strategies Ltd.

Robin Hood’s educational partner is Oldham Hulme Grammar School.

To book tickets visit The Oldham Coliseum website.