THURROCK is going to have a taste of merry old England this year when Robin Hood and his merry men hit town for this years pantomime...oh yes it is!

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood was officially launched at the Orsett Hall on Friday with most of the main characters, except Robin Hood himself.

According to panto publicist Andrea Ince he was “robbing the rich to feed the poor”.

A real coup for this year’s show is to have Last of the Summer Wine star, Sarah Thomas in the cast playing Forest Fairy for the 63 strong show over Christmas and New Year.

Sarah told the Gazette: “I have played in Robin Hood before but this one is rather special because the Forest Fairy is something a bit different. I have been in many pantomimes and theatre shows, but never in Thurrock before.

“I am looking forward to playing to a different audience and I have heard the Thameside Theatre is lovely, quite small and homely. It’s nice to play in pantos because the shows are a bit different each time.”

Producer and director Bruce James is back this year and he said with Postman Pat in the show its set to be a “little extra special”.

Tobey Nicholls is playing The Sheriff of Nottingham and he said: “I love to play the villains, I have been thinking of some new ways to scare all the kids that come to the show. I might put up the taxes or do something else horrible.

“I always end up playing the bad guy, but they are the best parts. I love doing live shows, mainly because from night to night you never get the same show.”

Mark Siney is back as dame Nurse Glucose, Matthew Shannon as Smiley O’Riley and Alex Marshall plays Robin Hood.

Mr James added: “It is going to be a great show, we have a wonderful cast this year. With Postman Pat playing himself in the panto we hope to reach a wider audience and get the younger kids involved too.

“We have not had Robin Hood for a few years, and I think we are offering something different where all the other theatres just seem to be putting on Aladdin. It is going to be a real family show.”

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood will be playing at the Thameside Theatre, in Orsett Road, Grays from Friday, December 3 until Sunday January, 9 2011 for a matinee and an evening show.

An early bird offer is on until 5pm on Monday, October 11 where you can save £2.50 on each ticket.

To book tickets call the theatre on 0845 300 5264 or buy them online at www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre where a maximum of nine tickets can be bought at one time.