By Grace Hatchell
I barely had time to sling my satchel over me shoulder before I found myself legging it through Sherwood Forest, trying not to trip over a Merry Man or get clonked on the head by an enthusiastic bow and arrow. That can only mean one thing: panto season is well and truly upon us.
After a rather impressive six consecutive Best Pantomime awards (show-offs — but fair play), Whitley Bay Pantomime Society are back with their latest festive adventure: the legendary Robin Hood, marking their 62nd pantomime at Whitley Bay Playhouse.
Running from Tuesday 13 January to Sunday 18 January 2026, this family favourite promises all the ingredients you’d expect from a proper British panto: a heroic outlaw, a boo-hiss-worthy Sheriff of Nottingham, a feisty Maid Marian, and enough slapstick, songs, and audience participation to keep even the loudest stalls kid happy (yes, I see you).
I tried blending in with the Merry Men — turns out green tights are not my colour — but what I did notice was the confidence of a company that knows exactly what it’s doing. This is pantomime done with heart, humour, and a clear love for the audience, whether you’re five or ninety-five.
Tickets are on sale now via the Whitley Bay Playhouse Box Office, and if past years are anything to go by, they won’t hang around long. Families, groups, schools — this is one to stick in the diary early.
Offstage, the society continues to do what community theatre does best, supporting local charities through ticket donations and fundraising collections across the performance week — a reminder that panto isn’t just about laughs, it’s about bringing people together.
So grab your bows, warm up your booing voice, and get ready to cheer your hero home. Robin Hood at Whitley Bay Playhouse is shaping up to be another arrow-straight hit — and if you spot me hiding behind a tree with the Merry Men, no you didn’t.
WBPS Presents Robin Hood – PLAYHOUSE Whitely Bay
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