ROBIN Hood and his merry men are getting ready to take on the Sheriff of Nottingham as preparations for a pantomime get underway.

Durham City’s Gala Theatre will present its own version of Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood from Thursday, November 28 to Saturday, January 4.

Rehearsals for the production began today (Monday, November 11), with the cast taking a short break to pose for pictures.

Featuring some of the finest and funniest actors around, a lively band, fabulous costumes and dazzling dance routines, this year’s show promises to be traditional panto at its best.

Gala resident baddie Neil Armstrong returns as the sheriff, with fellow panto favourite Paul Hartley taking on the role of Will Scarlett and Gala newcomer Alan French donning a dress as daft Nurse Nellie.

Gareth Leighton stars as Robin Hood, Emma Devlin is Maid Marion and Marcus Houden is greedy old Friar Tuck, while David Tarkenter and Martyn Dempsey will be causing havoc as the sheriff’s henchmen Stink and Stench.

Dancers from Gala Theatre Stage School will add some extra sparkle to the production.

The show was written Simon Stallworthy and is directed by Jackie Fielding.

Ms Fielding said: “It’s jolly good fun and swashbuckling.

“As well as the old favourites we have some nice new cast members as well.

“We have a fight director coming to teach us how to do sword fighting. So we’ll have some proper fighting, as well as a lot of fun stuff and some magic for the tiddlers."

Tickets start at £7, with special deals available for families and preview and bargain shows.

Box office 03000-266-600 or book online at www.galadurham.co.uk.