Robin Hood at the New Victoria Theatre Woking Review

Reviewed by Emma Booth

Me and my daughter went with friends to see this year’s pantomime of Robin Hood at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking last night (12 December 2017). Spirits were high as we arrived and took ours seats in the stalls. The atmosphere was electric as kids were eagerly waiting for the show to start.

This year’s pantomime of Robin Hood stars Shane Richie, famous for playing Alfie in EastEnders, with Peter Piper playing friar tuck and Ashleigh Gray as the Spirit of Sherwood. This year’s production follows Robin Hood on his quest to marry Maid Marion, but this story is full of all you would expect from a top-class family panto, with silly humour, fantastic costumes and lots of audience participation.

Shane Richie brings such natural humour with witty one-liners and lots of laughs for both the kids as well as the adults. The Merry Men were played by the Acronaniacs, a group of four gymnasts and tumblers, who put on a hilarious act full of slapstick comedy and daring show stopping flips and tricks.

One of my favourite characters is Merlin, played by Phil Hitchcock, he doesn’t have a massive role but he sure has a lasting effect with his magic and trickery. I was stunned by the illusions and I think everyone couldn’t believe what they were seeing, my daughter was amazed and so excited. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but this part really is brilliant. Another part of the show I thoroughly enjoyed was the 3D part, I’ve never seen this incorporated into a pantomime before, but it worked brilliantly. I’ll say no more about this part as again I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

Just at the end, Shane Richie does a few birthday shout outs and a few kids come on stage and Shane Richie does what he does best, making everyone laugh. I did feel this part went on just slightly too long. The show went on for slightly over 2 hours with a 20-minute interval, but it flew by in next to no time.

We all had such fun and laughed so hard. The kids were still buzzing with excitement for ages after and we can’t wait for next year’s panto. This is a must see show this Christmas, you will definitely not be disappointed.

As always, the New Victoria Theatre has lovely, helpful staff and great facilities, with a car park a very short walk away and very easy to find. This is a lovely theatre to attend.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £14 to £53.50 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Robin Hood is at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking from 9 December 2017 to 7 January 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre or call the box office on 0844 871 7645.

New Victoria Theatre, The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ