PANTOMIMES are part of the British festive tradition just like sending cards and eating Christmas pudding and one of the best things about them is that you know the outcome before you even sit down to watch - good will triumph over evil. This season's offering from producer Doreen Johnson at St Joseph's is a slant on the Robin Hood theme. The hero of the night is, of course, Robin Hood - a super thigh-slapping performance from Kathryn Chadwick - who pursues his heart's desire Maid Marian (Angela Grime) held captive by the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham - a naturally wicked performance from David Hodgkinson.

Also falling foul of the sheriff's evil ways are the 'babes' - the daughters of Nurse Blogget (a splendidly colourful over-the-top performance from Katherine Roberts) and when the sheriff hires two numbskulls (Darren Leake and Paddy Costello) to kill them, Robin calls upon his friends and they set off on a rescue mission.

The children in the audience immediatley warmed to Molly the Miller's daughter and her sweetheart Muffins (David Farrell) and his dog Fido (Terry McCabe) who kept the proceedings moving along nicely.

Of course the action was mixed with songs and dance routines and credit must be given to the chorus of dancing girls who were faultless throughout the evening's proceedings.

Christmas may have been and gone but this is just what you need to brighten up the long winter nights. LINDA HURST

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.