Christmas has officially started in our house with our visit on 1st December to the annual Christmas Panto at the Helix. 

This season, the Theatreworx Productions team bring to life that old festive favourite – ‘Robin Hood’, and their production of the ‘hooded man’ is absolutely hilarious!.

Now in their 11th year, Theatreworx Productions are renowned for bringing together the best stage talent, coupled with a superb back stage crew. 2018 is no different and visitors are guaranteed a real treat and laugh out loud moments with Robin and his group of very merry ‘people’ as they seek to outwit the baddie Sheriff.

If Robin shoots true at the arrow contest, he’ll be declared the chosen one but the Sheriff also wants to be King of Merryville and has a plan! Perhaps Robin’s mother can help distract the sheriff? Chaos ensues through the village, the forest and the castle! As expected, there are so many fun moments and the big news stories of the past year get a mention, along with references to everything current including genders, millennials, the weather, the fortnite craze and Michael D!

There’s solid acting and singing performances in the leading roles by Theatreworx newcomers Gavin Ryan as Robin and Ciara Mackey as Marion. Have to give a mention to Paul Byrom for his portrayal of the Sheriff – he’s excellent! Robin’s mother ‘Lola’, played by Mullingar native and 3 times AIMS nominated Chris Corroon, also gets it right on cue bringing the perfect balance of slap stick and humour to the role. Robin’s band of merry men (and women!!) include Orla Jennings, who gives a very energetic performance as the highly strung and hilarious fitness fanatic ‘Scarlet’ and also James Deegan, who gives an equally hilarious performance as the easily offended Tuck.

Set design is up there with the best and it’s wonderful every year to see how the team use the stage and back drops to compliment the story. The dance numbers are packed with yet more talent and well known faces. Keep an eye out too for the kids dance groups and also a lovely duet in there from a popular recent movie!. Really well done to all the kids who give great performances.

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Lastly the Panto wouldn’t be the Panto without the funnies. Returning as Buddy for his 10th year running is the lovable and talented Colin Hughes, who we have seen over the years in all the Theatreworx shows and who our kids have loved since they started going to Panto. Buddy is matched on stage by the hugely popular Aidan Mannion, who plays Laurel (aka yannee!) Aidan is on his 11th consecutive run with Theatreworx at the Helix. He’s also the co-writer and set designer on the show. 

Our family were aged 12, 9 and 6, the perfect age and they loved it. More slap stick than you can shake a stick at! 

Directed by Karl Harpur, the Theatreworx production of Robin Hood is running from November 23rd to January 20th at the Helix Dublin. Tickets are from €19.50 and booking fee applies.