A theatre on the coast is set to ring in the holiday season with a burst of merriment as it prepares for this year's Christmas pantomime.

Most people of a certain age will be able to hum the TV theme tune - but for many young theatregoers, Robin Hood, this year’s panto at St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth, will be a new, fun-filled story of heroes and villains.

And being panto, it will be packed with songs, dance routines and lots of silliness in the depths of Sherwood Forest.

Charlie Randall, who plays the title role, said Robin Hood was the first pantomime he saw as a child, at Sheringham Little Theatre, and he still thinks it is the best.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: It’s not looking good for Robin Hood in this year’s pantomime at St. George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth. It’s not looking good for Robin Hood in this year’s pantomime at St. George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth. (Image: TMS Media)

“It was a brilliant show and it really got me hooked on pantomime. Is there a better introduction to the theatre for kids? I don’t think so," he said.

“Whatever your age, panto engages you the moment the curtain goes up.

"There are heroes to cheer, villains to boo and jokes to groan at, and some of the gags will go right over the grown-ups’ heads.

"Whether you know the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marion or not, this brilliant panto will have you laughing, cheering and singing along," Mr Randall said.

Robin Hood was written by Nick Earnshaw, who also directs and plays the baddie, the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Booooo! Nick Earnshaw plays the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood at St. George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth. Booooo! Nick Earnshaw plays the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood at St. George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth. (Image: TMS Media)

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Mr Earnshaw and Mr Randall will be joined on stage by the cast and dancers who performed last year’s sell-out production of Peter Pan, which was streamed to more than 250,000 children in schools around the country thanks to funding from the Norfolk Music Hub.

This year’s production will also be streamed to hundreds of schools.

Robin Hood is at St George’s Theatre from December 15 to 31 and booking is available now at www.stgeorgestheatre.com/whats-on.