THIS was just fun. Two hours of laughs, merriment, double entendres, dance and pure joy.

It is just a few month since the Christmas pantomime but you feel this has come at just the right time.

The plot is fairly self explanatory and is really a launch pad for a barrage of comedy, quips, one liners etc.

But what they get right here is the balance. The dance numbers are great, the villain bits are wicked (Sheriff of Rottingham), and there are some very special singers. Maid Marian played by Katherine Hickmott was outstanding.

Naturally, Ben Parsley as Silly Willie was so good. What a great physical comedian he is. He is just a delight to watch. Ben uses the stage so well. His timing is perfect. A lot of his jokes, reactions and comments rely on split second timing.

Rob Stevens as Auntie Dolly was a riot. We are not sure if he was wearing the costumes or they were wearing him. The one described as the cosmic honey monster had to be seen to be believed.

Then there was Fanny Galore. We happen to think that Fanny has never been better. Yes, the Spirit of Sherwood’s outfits were shimmering but she was so on top of her game. At one stage she turned into Fanny Tuck. That’s all we can say.

It is also important to give credit to a funny script. It is one of the hardest things to do. So those computer jokes, the contactless jokes. They were superb.

We must also praise Joe Churms as Robin Hood, Lacey Creed and Little Joan and ensemble dancers, Brandon Thompson and Federico Bianchetti who sang brilliantly, danced so well and filled the stage with such energy and style.

But for two hours, there was just great variety and joy. The Beyond-Sea dancing, the saucepans and then the musical numbers, keep the panto zipping along.

The great thing about the Harlow pantomimes is their desire to please. You can see it on their faces. We always bring three generations of reviewers and they all loved it.

Robin Hood continues until Maundy Thursday (April 2nd).

https://playhouseharlow.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873658346

All photos courtesy of KD Productions