Big laughs, big stars and Brum's best ever panto (again)
The Brum panto really is the best every single year – no matter the show, they somehow raise the bar every Christmas.
If you’re looking for a proper feel-good panto with big laughs, big names and loads of sparkle, Robin Hood absolutely hits the target.
First things first: Matt Slack is the star of the show again.
Honestly, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without him. His timing is spot on, the ad-libs land every time, and he has the audience eating out of his hand from the moment he appears. He’s got that rare panto magic where kids adore him and adults are laughing just as hard.
Effortless, cheeky, and totally brilliant.
Seeing Christopher Biggins on stage was a real pinch-me moment. Proper pantomime royalty. I was genuinely star-struck.
The audience reaction said it all – warm, loud, and full of love. He brings that classic panto charm that just feels right, especially for anyone who grew up watching him steal scenes year after year.
The cast across the board is strong. Gok Wan is clearly having a blast as Gok Scarlet, Faye Tozer makes a confident and likeable Maid Marion, and Matt Cardle throws himself into being gloriously dastardly as the Sheriff, earning plenty of well-deserved boos.
Faye also gets a great musical moment with a fun panto twist on Tragedy, which went down a storm.
There’s a brilliantly spooky scene too, mixing Thriller and Ghostbusters in a way that’s just the right side of silly. It had both my daughters (5 and 7) in absolute hysterics – proper belly laughs that kept coming all night.
The costumes and scenery are stunning. Bright, bold, and inviting, with that big Palladium-level polish that really lifts the whole show.
We love the Hippodrome anyway, and this production makes the most of the space with big set pieces and flashy moments that keep the energy high throughout.
There’s loads of audience participation, silly jokes that make kids howl, and plenty of knowing winks for the grown-ups. It never drags and moves at a great pace.
The only small downside? I really missed Alison. She’s such a panto favourite, and while the cast is fantastic, there was definitely a little Alison-shaped gap for me.
That said, Robin Hood is exactly what a Christmas panto should be – loud, joyful, silly, and full of heart. If you want laughs, sparkle, and a night where everyone leaves smiling, this one’s a bullseye.
Book tickets here.