A modern update on a traditional tale.

With Robin Hood, a local tat man, saintly Sister Dora and a mysterious French magician in the mix, Bookmark Bloxwich Theatre’s new 2013 pantomime promises an unmissable seasonal treat next month!

And Walsall-based community theatre group Cart Before the Horse now resident at the popular Bloxwich theatre in Elmore Row, is all set to bring the show to life in a story that has been penned by acclaimed local poet and writer David Calcutt.

Robin Hood and the French Magician opens with Robin Hood, from Wedgebury (no, not Nottingham!), challenging a sinister French magician – signalling the start of all Robin’s problems. Walsall then finds itself threatened, firstly by a mythical giant monster and later by Lucifer – the Devil himself. But in true panto style, everything will work out well in the end – Oh Yes It Will!

This is largely thanks to a local tat man, on hand with his faithful old mare Nell, ready to call for help from the mythical, magical horse Bayard, Maid Marian, Alan-a-Dale, Sister Dora and a host of colourful, comical characters and musical mayhem.

Accomplished young dancers from the Karen Russon Dance Academy will also be delighting the audience with their fancy footwork.

Performances will be staged from Friday 13th December to Sunday 15th December. Matinee performances (on Saturday and Sunday) are at 2.30pm with evening performances (Friday and Saturday) at 7.30pm. Doors open an hour before the performances.

Tickets are on sale now at Bloxwich Library and cost £14 for a family of up to five people, £5 for adults and £4 concessions. Call 01922 655900 for details.