REVIEW - ROBIN HOOD: THE MAGICAL PANTO ADVENTURE | MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE | 10/12/2025

ROBIN HOOD PANTO AT MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE – FESTIVE FUN WITH A FEW MISSED TARGETS

For many Manchester families, Christmas simply doesn’t begin until the annual pantomime at the Manchester Opera House. This year’s Robin Hood panto at Manchester Opera House, produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, brings the festive favourite back to the stage, once again reuniting much-loved duo Jason Manford and Ben Nickless. With a long-standing reputation for high production values, big laughs, and familiar traditions, expectations are always high — and while there is plenty here to enjoy, this year’s outing feels more uneven than some previous seasons.

The well-known legend of Robin Hood provides the framework, but the story itself often feels secondary to the comedy. While we are introduced to Sherwood Forest, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Maid Marion, and Robin’s heroic reputation, the narrative rarely settles long enough to develop fully.

Instead, the show leans heavily on gags, call-backs, and audience interaction. Some long-running jokes — including the ever-present “in the gap” routine — return yet again. While these once felt fresh and exciting, they now risk wearing thin, particularly for regular panto-goers.

At times, the production feels less like a retelling of Robin Hood and more like a comedy showcase built around its two leading men. This leaves the story feeling light and occasionally underpowered, especially for younger audience members who may be encountering this tale for the first time.

Visually, the Manchester Opera House panto continues to impress. Hand-painted backdrops and colourful scenery create a traditional pantomime feel, with Sherwood Forest glowing under warm, festive lighting. The design avoids over-reliance on projections, which gives the show a pleasingly classic look.

Musically, the show is packed with familiar tunes, drawing from pop hits and musical theatre favourites, all given a pantomime twist. The big ensemble numbers are lively and energetic, and the Act One finale delivers the expected “wow” moment that Manchester audiences have come to anticipate each year.

The heart of the production undoubtedly lies with Jason Manford and Ben Nickless, whose chemistry remains strong. Together, they form an easy, confident double act, bouncing jokes off one another with warmth and a sense of shared fun. However, the balance occasionally tips too far, with extended comic sequences that feel closer to stand-up than storytelling.

As the Sheriff of Nottingham, Adam Strong brings commanding stage presence and powerhouse vocals, injecting real energy whenever he appears. His villain is bold, theatrical, and vocally impressive.

Sarah Vaughan as Maid Marion and Landi Oshinowo as the Spirit of Sherwood both perform strongly, but are given limited material. It’s a shame not to see more of them, as both are clearly capable of much more within this pantomime world.

Robin Hood: The Magical Panto Adventure is still an enjoyable festive outing, packed with laughs, spectacle, and moments of genuine fun — particularly thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Jason Manford and Ben Nickless. The production values remain high, and the audience interaction ensures plenty of excitement, especially for children.

However, the lighter touch on storytelling, repeated gags, and underuse of the wider cast mean this year’s Manchester panto doesn’t quite hit the heights of previous seasons. There is plenty to enjoy, but also a sense that with a stronger focus on the Robin Hood story — and more balance across the ensemble — this could have been something truly special.

A fun, familiar Christmas tradition with flashes of brilliance, but one that leaves you wishing for a little more heart in Sherwood Forest.

Robin Hood: The Magical Panto Adventure will be showing at The Manchester Opera House until Sunday, 4th January 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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