York Theatre Royal Presents ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY MAM!, Now thru 2 February

Following on from last year's smash hit YORK FAMILY ROBINSON, which sold over 50,000 tickets, Pantomime legend Berwick Kaler is back for his latest hilarious madcap seasonal treat at York Theatre Royal - ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY MAM! Written, directed and featuring Berwick Kaler, the world's first historically incorrect pantomime– based on fact– will be thrilling (or should that be confusing!!) theatre audiences from tonight, 13th December through Saturday 2nd February 2013.

Set in 1212 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.

Joining Berwick Kaler, who will be appearing in his 34th pantomime at York Theatre Royal and 40th in his career, will be regular favourites Martin Barrass (who has spent most of the year appearing as Alfie, the doddering waiter in The National Theatre production of One Man, Two Guvnors), Suzy Cooper, Sian Howard and AJ Powell. The production will also see the much awaited return of Berwick's nephew and ladies favourite Vincent Gray. Standing in for regular baddie David Leonard, who is currently wowing west end audiences in the hit musical MATILDA, will be Jonathan Race. Jonathan has become a familiar face at York Theatre Royal for his performances in The Railway Children, The Wind in the Willows, My Family and Other Animals, and most recently in blue/orange. Jonathan has also appeared in Christmas productions at Nottingham Playhouse and the New Vic Theatre.

Artistic Director Damian Cruden will again endeavor to try and maintain some level of sanity whilst co-directing with Berwick Kaler for the 15TH year. The production will feature designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, with lighting by Richard G Jones and music composed by Christopher Madin (The Railway Children).

Berwick said about this year's pantomime "This year's pantomime will have all the ingredients of a traditional family panto but refuses to play safe or be predictable. It's never boring, borders on lunacy at times and if there's a script and plot then that will be a huge bonus. Add anarchic, manic, surreal, visually stunning sets and costumes and bags of belly laughs and you have all the magic of a pantomime unlike any you will ever see this year or any other year."

ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY MAM! may have 'Made in York' stamped all over it, but it promises to be the pantomime the whole country will want to see.

Tickets for ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY MAM! are priced from £10-£26 and can be obtained by visiting the York Theatre Royal Box Office or by calling 01904 623568. Show Times: Daily 7.30pm (Mat at 2.30pm -15, 19-22, 24, 26-29,31 December,1-5 & 7,12, 19 & 26 January & 2 February and 4.30pm & 8pm -11,18 & 25 January & 1 February).

Specific Ticket prices: Bronze performances: £12 - £21.50 (Concessions available), Silver performances: £12 - £24.50, Gold performances: £14 - £26, All 4.30 performances: £10 - £15. Schools Offer available 19- 21 December (matinees). Tickets are also available online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.