Robin Hood at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
Robin Hood
The Pantomime Adventure!
The Mayflower, Southampton
17 December to 8 January 2017
Reviewed by Sally Carter
Christmas is here! Last night I took my girls (7yrs & 5yrs) to see the panto Robin Hood staring Shane Ritchie and Jessie Wallace.
As usual the Mayflower team were welcoming and accommodating. Our seats were located at the rear of the dress circle, we had a good view of the stage and were excellently placed for the ‘3D’ element of the show. My top tip however would be, if you have children with you don’t forget to collect extra cushions from down in the stalls to take up with you, as there were none available in the circle. As well as the glossy programs there was an array of flashing light-up wands, swords, etc… available to buy. My girls almost disowned me when I discovered I didn’t have enough cash for interval ice-creams, fortunately you can pay by card, so I was saved.
Shane Ritchie is a great panto lead. Just the right balance of keeping the kids involved whilst still playing to the parents/adults! I had forgotten just how much innuendo and subtext there is in panto, and although some of the jokes were close to the knuckle, they certainly went over the heads of my children. Of course, a panto fronted by Shane & Jessie, or should that be, ‘Alfie & Kat’, was bound to have many references to EastEnders, but even as someone who doesn’t watch soaps, I still ‘got’ the jokes and that relationship between Shane & Jessie only added to the performance. They were joined by a fab team of supporting actors including the talented Jeffery Holland as Naughty Nancy the Nurse and Peter Piper (who played Friar Tuck) pulled off a great David Attenborough impression! Everyone enjoyed the performances of the Acromaniacs as the Merry Men and the wonderful magic of Merlin, played by Phil Hitchcock.
My youngest was a little afraid of ‘Rex’, the Sheriff’s pet at the end of act 1 and also the 3D element of the show in act 2, but nothing climbing onto my lap for a cuddle couldn’t fIx and Shane was very good at the beginning explaining to the children that it was an optical illusion and they were safe. It so happened that where we were seated was an ideal place for the 3D part of the show and it really felt like we were in amongst the action – this was my eldest daughters favourite part!
There was the usual audience participation as well as getting adults and children alike up onto stage to ‘help’. It was a great ‘Pantomime Adventure’, with fun and frolics for all the family. I wholeheartedly recommend taking the family along this Christmas or New Year. The show runs until Sunday 8th January, so book your tickets now.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £15 to £39.50 (booking fees may apply).
Robin Hood is at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until 8 January 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 02380 711811.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811
