ROBIN Hood and his Merry Men are preparing to take on the Sheriff of Nottingham this month in Keighley’s annual family pantomime.

And as the classic confrontation is played out on stage at Victoria Hall there’ll be added adventure and laughter from the Babes in the Wood.

The boy and girl will get entangled in the famous Robin Hood story portrayed by 50 adult and child members of Keighley Musical Theatre Company, formerly Keighley Amateurs, from January 27 to February 3.

The Babes of the title are being played alternately by two pairs of children – 12-year-olds Scarlett Miller, from Cononley, and Max Hibbert, from Cross Hills, will play the roles for four performances, while Dylan Dean, 11, from Long Lee, and nine-year-old Kessia Hadfield-Walker, from Addingham, will take over for the other four performances.

Philip Smith and Dean Harness, for more than two decades the dame and sidekick with Sutton’s Green Hut Theatre Company, will be united for the first time at Keighley Musical Theatre Company. They’ll play mirth makers Muddles and Penelope Penwiper.

Leanne Watson will play Maid Marion and Fiona Spencer will play Robin Hood, joined on the side of good by Leah Ogrizovic as the Fairy.

Mark Hutchinson will play the villainous Sir Casper, the Sheriff of Nottingham, assisted by Danny Duckworth and Bailey Roper as the bumbling robbers Dan and Desmond.

Keighley Musical Theatre Company spokesman David Brett said: “We may have changed our name, but we continue our fine tradition of high-quality, fun-filled, family pantomimes.

“Written once again by the kings of panto, Keith Marsden and Geoffrey Rundle, it promises to be a fresh and fun family pantomime full of well-loved songs and tradition.

“We once again have a magnificent line-up of amazing dancers and adorable kiddies, and a great supporting cast, including a band of very Merry Men!”

The show is co-directed by Peter Whitley and Judith Chapman, with Judith choreographing and Geoff Garrett the musical director.

Babes in the Wood will be performed on January 27 and February 3 at 1pm and 5.30pm, January 28 at 2.15pm, and January 30, January 31 and February 2 at 7.15pm.

Tickets are available from a variety of outlets. Visit keighleymtc.com, call 03000 301303 or go to the The Copy Shop, next to Sequins fancy dress shop, off the High Street roundabout in town.

All pictures by David Brett.