MALVERN Theatre's Christmas pantomime this year, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, begins next Wednesday.

Described as "sumptuously traditional, remaining faithful to the story that everyone knows and loves", the panto has a star-studded cast to bring the fairytale to life.

TV's Hi-de-Hi favourite Ruth Madoc stars as Fairy and Richard Elis, Huw from Eastenders, is Robber in the production. Tom Owen, of Last of the Summer Wine fame, will play the Sheriff of Nottingham - the show's baddie - and James Biddlecombe takes on the part of the comical nurse.

A Malvern Theatres spokesman said: "Follow the adventures of Robin Hood, the Sheriff of Nottingham's tricks, see the babes get lost in the wood and enjoy the happily ever-after ending."

The pantomime runs until January 11 with various performance times. For details and tickets, priced from £7, call the box office on 01864 892277 or book online at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk