Venue: Main House
Date: Thu 13 Dec - Sat 02 Feb
Time: 7.30pm (2.30pm matinees) and 8pm (4.30pm matinees)
Produced by: York Theatre Royal
Written by: Berwick Kaler
Directed by: Berwick Kaler and Damian Cruden
Designed by: Phil R Daniels and Charles Cussick Smith
Lighting: Richard G Jones
Associate Musical Director and Arranger: Christopher Madin
Musical Director: Mike Turnbull
Choreography: Brendan Matthew
Reviews
Mon 17 Dec 2012
Written by Charles Hutchinson
After his Queen Victoria-length reign, dowager dame Berwick’s reputation is such that not only will he feature in a Michael Grade documentary on BBC4 on December 20, but last Friday’s Daily Mail placed the Theatre Royal second only to Lily Savage’s comeback at the O2 Arena in its feature on must-see pantomimes.
Mon 17 Dec 2012
Written by Katharine Wootton
There are those that like their panto am-dram style, full of local gags, the farce of faulty props, fluffed lines and the allure of seeing the same panto culprits year in year out making a fool of themselves in tights in a chilly church hall. Then there are others who prefer panto’s more glamorous glitter-clad twin, sparkling with X-Factor rejects and Coronation Street extras. Yet in Robin Hood and His Merry Mam, the latest offering from the zany world of Berwick Kaler , these two faces of panto come together (minus the dodgy third-rate celebs) with full-bodied local enthusiasm playing out among spectacular sets and stunning sparkle to a thronging audience.
Mon 17 Dec 2012
Written by James Eaglesfield
York Theatre Royal’s panto and Berwick Kaler, its veteran dame, have an impressive reputation that is the envy of theatres throughout the country. With this comes expectation and York audiences will be filling the theatre’s auditorium throughout the run to see whether Robin Hood And His Merry Mam hits the target.
Mon 17 Dec 2012
Written by Sam McCaffery
Berwick Kaler and his pantomimes have been a Christmas tradition at York Theatre Royal for over thirty years. His loose interpretation of classic tales blended with local humour and 'in jokes' have become synonymous with the festive season. And in his 34th year he's still going better than ever.
Mon 17 Dec 2012
Written by Chris Titley
Right at the end – which any veteran of a Berwick Kaler pantomime will know is a long time coming – the specialness of this theatrical event is fully revealed. Kaler and long-time sidekick Martin Barrass read out messages from members of the audience – and you realise you’re part of an extraordinary club.
Mon 17 Dec 2012
Written by Eve Winterburn
This is pantomime entertainment at its best, an extravaganza of costume and sets to dazzle, moments that touch and give the ahh experience and a cast that provide the Ohh factor.
Mon 17 Dec 2012
Written by Vicky Parry
York’s loudest, wackiest panto returns for its 34th year. Berwick Kaler’s annual pantomime at York Theatre Royal is for many a highlight of the festive season; last night’s audience included a baby in its pram and a ninety something year old lady celebrating her birthday.
Tue 18 Dec 2012
Written by Sue Casson
Less like a professional pantomime cast and more like a group of kids have been let loose with the dressing-up box, national treasure Berwick Kaler, takes to the stage as a wonderfully flamboyant dame in this, his 34th annual pantomime in York.
Mon 17 Dec 2012
Written by Steve Pratt
There are certain things audiences expect from a panto at York Theatre Royal. Familiar faces, a new script full of old gags and visual jokes, Martin Barrass being skippy and silly, a chorus of professional dancers, good songs, great costumes, a guest appearance by the BBC’s Harry Gration and, of course, Dame Berwick Kaler himself (now in his 34th year – that’s the number of Theatre Royal panto appearances not his age).
Tue 18 Dec 2012
Written by Kevin Berry
Back for his 34th consecutive appearance as dame at York Theatre Royal is Berwick Kaler, and the wave of love and affection for him is something to experience.
Tue 18 Dec 2012
Written by
Written by Now in his 34th year, Berwick Kaler is once again entertaining the Christmas crowd at the York Theatre Royal, this time in Robin Hood and his Merry Mam. Now a staple part of many family Christmas traditions, and famed for its very wet slosh scenes and flying antics, the Theatre Royal delivers everything the audience is waiting for and has come to expect from its annual visit.
Wed 19 Dec 2012
Written by Judy Adcock
Berwick continues to charm the audience with his unusual brand of script writing and his warm Northern humour. His hand picked team are with him once more to help with the chaos on stage, with the exception of David Leonard, the resident baddie. His place has been taken this year by Jonathan Race who plays the part of the Sheriff Hutton on his horse called Camilla. (Look out David this boy is good).
Wed 19 Dec 2012
Written by Alfred Hickling
Few pantomimes have a full, professional chorus these days; but Kaler has long used his as a kind of youth team to nurture new talent.
Wed 19 Dec 2012
Written by Rob Powls
It’s Berwick Kaler’s 34th year as writer, co-director (with Damian Cruden), and star of York Theatre Royal’s annual pantomime. It crosses one’s mind that this year he might just be past it – oh, ye of little faith – and then he produces an evening’s entertainment that is bigger, better, bouncier, and cornier than ever.
Thu 20 Dec 2012
Written by Julia Pattison
There was a warm welcome as always from the audience, as Berwick Kaler made his dramatic Jorvik entrance; the scene seemed set for the usual eagerly anticipated “rubbish ”. We met new villain Jonathan Race, stepping into David Leonard’s shoes, and bade a hearty “ hello “ to old friends such as Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper and AJ Powell.
Thu 20 Dec 2012
Written by
Robin Hood and his Merry Mam is another successful pantomime for Berwick Kaler and York Theatre Royal. It is a spectacle infused with an infectious energy and spirit. Everything expected from a great pantomime is there; the gags, the jokes, the outlandish costumes, the cartoon-like sets and a joyous sense that both the performers and the audience are having a thoroughly good time.
Fri 21 Dec 2012
Written by Phil Penfold
It’s the pantomime that’s become a staple of the Christmas diet – but it’s going to look different this year.
Fri 21 Dec 2012
Written by Sarah Freeman
"...a hefty cut above the usual panto fare...a production which gets slicker as it goes along..."
Fri 21 Dec 2012
Written by Mark Smith
"at heart this show is put together with love and attention to detail by all involved, and warmly welcomes in audience members new and old"
Fri 21 Dec 2012
Written by Richard Parker
Like a fine wine, Berwick Kaler gets better with age!
Thu 27 Dec 2012
Written by Timothy Ramsden
Half-a-lifetime on, Berwick’s still got it bang-to-rights.
Thu 27 Dec 2012
Written by JH
"To the unitiated it may seem puzzling as to why the York Theatre Royal’s pantomime has become so famous throughout the country... Yet what the audience does get is a highly entertaining, appealing, amusing and polished performance, with spectacular costumes and sets, that appeals to all ages."
Wed 02 Jan 2013
Written by Erica Bourn
The panto at York's Theatre Royal is an institution - as synonymous to Christmas for many as putting up the tree or Turkey with all the trimmings. This year’s offering is Robin Hood and his Merry Mam! It is set in 1212; King Richard the Lionheart is away fighting in the Crusades, whilst here at home Robin Hood and his crew have the task of saving the rightful heirs to the throne from the evil Prince John and dastardly Sheriff Hutton of Nottingham.
Wed 02 Jan 2013
Written by Clare Brennan
As ever, much of that talent has been nurtured in the regions. York Theatre Royal is one among many hothouses.
Wed 02 Jan 2013
Written by
Nothing starts the festive season quite like a panto and York’s performance this year does not disappoint. Robin Hood and his Merry Mam, written, directed, and starring Berwick Kaler, is exactly what a panto should be: camp, colourful and slightly confusing.
Tue 29 Jan 2013
Written by
Four young theatre enthusiasts, the York Theatre Royal Ambassadors from Joseph Rowntree School, share their reviews from Robin Hood and his Merry Mam!
Mon 04 Feb 2013
Written by Georgia Hickman
Our final review of Robin Hood and his Merry Mam!
A new panto written by Berwick Kaler
Directed by Berwick Kaler and Damian Cruden
The much lauded York Theatre Royal production team have picked another winning title and can’t wait to bring you their unique brand of spectacle, amazing sets, costumes, magical lighting, music and choreography…and all done in the best possible panto taste!
King Richard the Lionheart is away fighting in the Crusades, whilst here at home Robin Hood has the task of saving the rightful heirs to the throne from the evil Prince John and Sheriff Hutton of Nottingham! He also has to cope with the arrival of his mother who thinks he’s an accountant and brings with her a recipe for slapstick, mayhem and zany antics.
This all takes place in 1212 (800 years ago), so don’t miss out on the world’s first historically incorrect pantomime - based on fact!
It may have ‘Made in York’ stamped all over it, but it’s the pantomime the whole country wants to see.
“Berwick Kaler is back at the top of his Dame game” -The Press (about The York Family Robinson)
Looking forward to coming? Tweet about it using #yorkpanto.
|
Tue 1 Jan |
2.30 |
7.30 |
|
Wed 2 Jan |
2.30 |
7.30 |
|
Thu 3 Jan |
2.30 |
7.30 |
|
Fri 4 Jan |
2.30 |
7.30 |
|
Sat 5 Jan |
2.30 |
7.30 |
|
Sun 6 Jan |
|
|
|
Mon 7 Jan |
2.30 |
7.30 |
|
Tue 8 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Wed 9 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Thu 10 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Fri 11 Jan |
4.30 |
8.00 |
|
Sat 12 Jan |
2.30 |
7.30 |
|
Sun 13 Jan |
|
|
|
Mon 14 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Tue 15 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Wed 16 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Thu 17 Jan |
|
7.30 BSL |
|
Fri 18 Jan |
4.30 |
8.00 |
|
Sat 19 Jan |
2.30 BSL |
7.30 |
|
Sun 20 Jan |
|
|
|
Mon 21 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Tue 22 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Wed 23 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Thu 24 Jan |
|
7.30 AD |
|
Fri 25 Jan |
4.30 |
8.00 |
|
Sat 26 Jan |
2.30 AD/C |
7.30 AD |
|
Sun 27 Jan |
|
|
|
Mon 28 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Tue 29 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Wed 30 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Thu 31 Jan |
|
7.30 |
|
Fri 1 Feb |
4.30 |
8.00 |
|
Sat 2 Feb |
2.30 |
7.30 |
Bronze Performances: £12 - £21.50
Silver Performances: £12 - £24.50
Gold Performances: £14 - £26
All 4.30 Performances: £10 - £15
Concessions available on Bronze performances.
Schools Offer available 19 - 21 December (matinees)
AD: Audio Described
BSL: British Sign Language interpreted
C: Captioned
Related News
Thu 24 Jan 2013
Have you ever wondered what we do in different departments at York Theatre Royal? Meet Ann Forshaw, who works as Box Office Assistant and Captioner in the front of house Communications team.
Fri 18 Jan 2013
Don't worry Panto lovers, the snow is not affecting performances, parking or travel around York.
Fri 11 Jan 2013
York Theatre Royal and York, Ebor and County Round Table no.65 have joined forces to help raise over £10,000 for York Against Cancer in order to help the charity purchase a Respite Holiday Home in Whitby for cancer sufferers and their families.
Tue 08 Jan 2013
This year’s panto Robin Hood and his Merry Mam is still in full swing receiving fantastic reviews and comments from our audiences. Below are some of the things people have had to say about the cast and the show.
Thu 03 Jan 2013
For this month’s ‘The People Who Make York’ interview we spoke to York Theatre Royal’s very own Berwick Kaler to chat about his thirty years in the panto, his relationship with York, and the weight of those frocks. Written by Kate Heslop.
Wed 02 Jan 2013
Why Robin Hood? First produced as a pantomime in 1795, Robin Hood is enjoying a surge in popularity this year with the title eclipsing Robinson Crusoe, Puss in Boots, Mother Goose and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Thu 20 Dec 2012
HE may be the UK’s longest-serving dame but he hates the word “drag”. Berwick Kaler, who has entertained countless audiences for more than three decades, says he is not keen on make-up either.
Wed 19 Dec 2012
The cast of Robin Hood And His Merry Mam! were wreaking havoc in York city centre yesterday afternoon as they toured the city centre in a double decker bus, went shopping on Stonegate, and raided York's Chocolate Story...
Tue 18 Dec 2012
People fly in from Sydney to see the panto at York Theatre Royal. What's its secret (aside from Britain's longest-serving dame, Wagon Wheels and 86 costumes)? Article on The Guardian website.
Tue 11 Dec 2012
Box Office records are tumbling. Top dames are booked years ahead, and Aladdin starring Lily Savage just opened at the vast O2. Booooooo to austerity, say the stars of pantomime
Mon 10 Dec 2012
York’s legendary pantomime dame Berwick Kaler is set not to just be onstage this Christmas in York Theatre Royal’s latest pantomime blockbuster Robin Hood and his Merry Mam!, he will also be featuring in a major new documentary on BBC 4 about the history of pantomime and the role of the pantomime dame.
Mon 03 Dec 2012
York’s favourite dame, Berwick Kaler, chats to Your Local Link about elephants, Robin Hood and the art of panto.
Mon 03 Dec 2012
In this interview, you get two actors for the price of one. Martin Barrass and Jonathan Race are here to talk about Robin Hood And His Merry Mam, this year’s panto at York Theatre Royal. York Theatre Royal is in a merry mood this year, reports Julian Cole
Tue 27 Nov 2012
We talk to choreographer Brendan Matthew, who has the unenviable task of teaching Berwick his left from his right...
Thu 08 Nov 2012
Christmas is coming! The York Theatre Royal Cafe Bar will be offering Christmas Dinners throughout the run of Panto. For just £8 you can have 2 delicious courses to warm you up for the festive season. (Oh yes you can!)
Fri 21 Sep 2012
We are looking for young people to join the cast of this year's spectacular pantomime at York Theatre Royal.
Your Comments
Multimedia
Robin Hood and His Merry Mam!
Robin Hood trailer with audience feedback
First panto fans join the queue to book tickets
Meet our Panto Choreographer, Brendan Matthew
A Message from the Dame