It's silly season time and goodness knows- we need a huge dose of laughter at this stage of 2016 and Janice Honeyman's annual Panto at the Joburg Theatre- Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood-  will provide all the fun and frivolity that will lighten heavy-hearts and bring huge smiles to worn down faces.

Izak Davel (Robin Hood) Carmen Pretorius (Maid Marian)

It's a laugh a minute, with plenty of men in tights, mentions of dubious Saxonwold shebeens, gorgeous gals and a naughty and saucy baddie (Graham Hopkins as Norman the Nasty, Sherriff of Nottingham, is superb). This is Janice Honeyman story-telling at its best- with a mix up of Hansel and Gretel thrown in and a spirit of the forest (with an Irish twang!) telling the story- Kate Normington scintillates as Silly Sylviana. (I need those green wedge takkies!)

Graham Hopkins as Norman the Nasty

Kate Normington as Sylviana

Desmond Dube drew roars of laughter from the audience as Friar Tuck, along with his trusty companion, Little John, played by an excellent Phumi Mncayi. Robin is as butch as you can get (Izak Davel) with a voice to match and Maid Marion (Carmen Pretorius) is his perfect mate. Everyone in this stellar cast deserves a mention- South Africa's got oodles of talent and we need to celebrate that- great dancing, (choreographer Nicol Sheraton), brilliant singing, fabulous costumes and sets- and it's all brought together with live music under the baton of Musical Director, Rowan Bakker. Don't miss this year's Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood- it's spectacular! 

Phumi Mncayi (Little John) Desmond Dube (Friar Tuck)

Photography: Mariola Biela

Tickets for Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood start from R220, and runs on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre until December 30th.

Tickets are available by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com or calling 0861 670 670, as well as through Webtickets and at Pick ‘n’ Pay stores. For group bookings of 10 or more, contact the theatre directly on 011 877 6853/6815.