THE Bolton Octagon has surpassed itself with a tremendous festive performance of Robin Hood, pictured.

After the success of last year’s Peter Pan Christmas show, the Octagon is once again eschewing the traditional panto in favour of some proper family theatre.

The story begins with three children, bored on holiday, who run and hide in the forest. They then find themselves transported magically back in time where they meet Robin Hood and help him in his fight against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

A truly talented cast (including some very confident child actors) sing, play musical instruments and capture their roles perfectly. Marc Small plays Robin with movie star charm and Christopher Villiers as the evil Sheriff seems a man born to play the villain with his tongue firmly in his cheek.

Writer Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and director Elizabeth Newman have combined to create the perfect blend of drama, farce, comedy and action.

There is a even a little bit of politics for the grown-ups. The staging is superb and there is just the right amount of audience participation.

Our six-year-old reviewer described it as ‘hilarious’ and ‘really scary’ and decided ‘Maid Marian was very beautiful’ – so I think that shows a job well done.

Robin Hood is at the Octagon until January 11. See octagonbolton.co.uk or call 01204 520661 for tickets n Brenda Wilcock, of Newlands Road, Leigh, was the winner of our recent competition to win a Robin Hood family ticket.