As the team at City Varieties Music Hall embarks on another pantomime adventure, we’re looking back at the history of Robin Hood and his Babes in the Wood! From a tale as old as time (about 700 years old, give or take!) to a panto classic, this story is no stranger to our stages.
Written by Aaron Cawood
Robin’s first flight
Depictions of our hero, Robin Hood, have existed since around the 13th Century. His first appearance, in rhyming verse, is dated back to 1370. While the wily and adventurous Robin Hood we’ve come to know in panto-land was many centuries away from coming into existence, stories were already being told about his bravery and faithful dedication to charity. Theories vary – from our outlaw being Robert Hod of York, to ‘Robin Hood’ just being a generic alias used by thieves at the time – but, regardless, the legacy of this folkloric legend was set in stone centuries ago.
Despite the two often coming as a pair now, Robin’s Babes came about entirely separately along the timeline. First published in 1595, the ballad of the Babes in the Wood started its life as a cautionary tale about the risks of greed. Two children, cast out into the woods so their uncle could claim their inheritance, only for him to face justice before the final page. It’s a short and tragic tale, and certainly not the sort of story that you’d think would lend itself to the bright world of pantomime. So, with two children lost in the woods, who could step in as the hero? Enter Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men.
Two stories merging into one over time and the harlequinade of the 1800s; this formed a perfect storm to set our stage. Comic productions that played with clowning, magic, gender reversal, and moral good and evil found a slow but steady incline in popularity and that became the birth of British pantomime. Oh, no it didn’t. Oh, yes it did!
Louis Rhead's 'Robin Shoots with Sir Guy', 1912.
A legend takes the stage
Robin Hood arrived at Leeds Grand Theatre by serious means. The Hamilton and Devereux romance Robin Hood played in 1907, which was a touring production of a traditional play telling the story of the outlaw. It brought its staging from the original production at Lyric Theatre, London. Further along the timeline though, things took a turn for comedy.
At City Varieties Music Hall, Robin and the Babes started making regular appearances. Whether it was the 1918 production of Babes in the Wood, which placed the character of Robin front and centre, or the more adult production of Robin Hood and his Mucky Men in 1989, the pantomime has been a hit for audiences in Leeds for decades.
The Varieties is no stranger to panto tradition, though now it is more community-loved than ever. Putting a different spin on what audiences have come to expect from the pantomime powerhouse, The Varieties stages an annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto. These shows feature everything you love about pantomime – dames, audience interactions and catchy tunes – but our talented cast of actor-musicians accompany the iconic rock ‘n’ roll score live on stage. And as this tradition continues with this year’s Robin Hood: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, there’s no better time to look at Robin’s last rock ‘n’ roll outing.
Robin Hood at Leeds Grand Theatre, 1907. Credit: Leodis
Babes in the Wood at City Varieties Music Hall, 1978. Credit: Leodis
Robin Hood and his Mucky Men at City Varieties Music Hall, 1989. Credit: Leodis
Babes in the Wood at City Varieties Music Hall, 1990. Credit: Panto Archive.
Rock ‘n’ roll outlaw
Robin Hood: The Rock 'n' Roll Panto at City Varieties Music Hall, 2015. Credit: Tony O'Connell
In 2015, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto was first staged at City Varieties Music Hall. As it returns this year with a new design and cast, we’re looking back fondly at the early days of our Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantos.
And, as far as tradition goes, you can’t get better than this; cast members Kenny Davies and Louisa Beadel are returning from the original cast, but with new roles this time around! Read our online programme here to meet all the cast, plus so much more…
Robin Hood: The Rock 'n' Roll Panto at City Varieties Music Hall, 2015. Credit: Tony O'Connell
★★★★
‘What makes this panto unique is that the adult audience is constantly treated to great rock ’n’ roll tunes while the younger ones can still enjoy the corny jokes and slapstick. The production succeeds with both its comic capers and its musical prowess to provide festive family fun.’
The Stage
A look at this year’s show
A very different format to the traditional Christmas pantomime, Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantos mix traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by an ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians.
Running until 7 Jan 2024.
City Varieties Music Hall Building Fund
The City Varieties Music Hall is the gem in Leeds’ crown. As the city’s oldest theatre, we want to ensure that Britain’s longest, continuously operating music hall is here for future generations, making it more accessible, sustainable, and comfortable. All donations will be fully invested in the building and equipment and will enhance your experience as a customer.
