MUSIC, magic and a marriage are the three ingredients for a traditional Christmas pantomime, and of course Robin Hood at Salisbury Playhouse did not disappoint.

X Factor and West End star Giovanni Spano donned a pair of tights and showed off his powerful vocal range as the energetic and cheeky Robin Hood, who alongside hilarious merry men Friar Tuck and Allan A’Dale (played by Leonard Cook and Lauren Azania AJ King-Yombo), had the mission of rescuing Maid Marian, finding her sister and saving Sherwood Forest.

As the bedtime story goes the trio stole riches to give to the poor, but this tale was given a refreshingly modern touch to appeal to the newest generation of panto-goers.

You cannot help but fall in love with every character, even the evil and predatory Sheriff of Nottingham (Greg Barnett), who kept the audience hysterically “Boo”ing with his egotistical meets rock’n’roll persona.

Nurse Nora Virus was this year’s dame, keeping children and parents entertained with her quirky humor and endless and eccentric costume changes, and was played effortlessly by Adrian Grove who had not even stepped into a pair of heels before this role.

And Maid Marian (Alice Stokoe) brought some serious girl power to the stage.

The wonderful main cast was accompanied by young performers from around the area, who injected an extra dose of choreography, enthusiasm and volume to ensemble numbers.

The production is quintessentially Salisbury, with endless references, audience participation and songs that everyone knows and loves.

This year’s adaptation was written by Andrew Pollard, and following his previous panto treasures including Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, he’s created a masterpiece again.