Robin Hood with a Teesside twist at Middlesbrough College

Armed with a sword and a feather in his cap, student Jake Smithson is looking forward to playing the lead role.

The 17-year-old from Ingleby Barwick will be robbing from the rich to give to the poor in a Robin Hood production that has been given a Teesside flavour, with plenty of local phrases and jokes and featuring a few chart-topping tunes.

Jake is joined by Jonas Welburn, 17, and Alex Sonley, 18, who are playing King John and Little Joan – a modern take on Robin Hood’s legendary fellow outlaw.

Alex said: “The whole cast has worked incredibly hard to bring this show together, and it really has the feeling of Christmas cheer throughout."

Claire Teesdale, theatre manager and visual and performing arts lecturer, said: “Staging performances such as this give our students industry experience and knowledge of professional conduct.

“Students on Performing and Productions Arts courses are involved in 11 productions throughout the year; however the College pantomime is always where we have the most fun.

“It’s an incredibly talented cast and production team. From our production arts students who work on the staging, lighting and sound to our musical theatre students, actors and dancers who perform on the night- everyone is working flat out to make the show a complete success!”

The panto fun kicks off this Wednesday, and there are still tickets available.

Performances take place on December 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 at 7pm, with a matinee on Saturday, December 10 at noon. Tickets cost £10 (£7 concessions) and are available from the College reception Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Tickets are also available on the door before each performance.