2025 Panto perfection: Robin Hood at the Capitol
Pantomime is Christmas. Christmas is pantomime. That is the truth. There’s something really precious about the pantomime at The Capitol, Horsham. The team don’t rely on huge stars to get crowds in, instead, they are assured that the quality in everything they do speaks for itself.
This quality pervades every aspect of the panto, even from the meticulously decorated foyer (excellent balloon arch!), through to the incredible performances everyone on the stage provides. Every member of staff who has worked on this panto, every creative, and every performer should be proud of what they’ve created with Robin Hood.
Panto is a way of forgetting the outside world and indulging ourselves in silliness and merriment – an antidote to everything else in the world right now. No-one who goes to pantomime takes it seriously, that’s the goal. An evening filled with joy – how often can we gift ourselves that opportunity?
The Capitol’s Robin Hood had sacks of joy, and more to spare. When I say that every, single cast member belts out their songs like it’s a closing number in the West End, you get the idea of the level of talent that rocked the stage. Rocked is a perfect word for the cracking Gina Murray who plays the Sheriff – never have I been more conflicted than when she was singing with such gusto. I think maybe I wanted the baddie to win? Plus, those leather trousers and heels? Impressive.
A huge moment in the show is Friar Tuck’s performance, played by Katie Pritchard, which is utter, incredible, joyous perfection – she received a highly justified extended ovation at the of her performance and honestly I’d have been happy for an encore.
The wonderful Emma Lindars returns for her third Capitol panto as Fairy Evergreen. Her voice is wonderful, a true treasure on the stage.
A particular stand out moment is the ensemble song before the interval, we were blown away by the performance and they, quite rightly got the applause needed.
A special mention has to go to Will Jennings who plays Guy of Gisbourne, my daughter and I were clutching our sides laughing at almost everything he did – but particularly the Hairspray love song alongside Mark Irwin who plays Robin Hood and Georgia Bradshaw as Maid Marian. Thank you for making my mascara run down my cheeks.
I want to write lovely things about everyone on the cast, but safe to say no-one lets the show down and if you get a ticket to it you’re in for a treat. This is an ideal panto for 2025. Precious, silly, perfection that sends you back out in the world with your cup filled with festive joy.
The Capitol is closing for a much-needed refurb when Robin Hood closes (she’s a mature woman who needs a little love), but is open next year in time for Dick Whittington – and I’ll just say it now, in case the press office is wondering, I’m a yes – and so is my plus one.
This review was brought to you by Lisa Brace. Oh no, it wasn’t. Oh yes, it was! If you’ve enjoyed this Horsham Panto, you may also like:
