Classic family pantomimes are a well-established Christmas tradition at the Theatre Royal in Bath, and this year's show, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood promises be no exception.

Familiar faces amongst the all-star cast include actress Clare McGlinn, who will be slapping her thigh in the title role as Robin Hood. Clare has recently finished up a two-year stint as teacher-with-attitude, Charlie Ramsden in evergreen ITV soap Coronation Street.

This is her very first panto role and she joked of how it will be sweet revenge to play a member of the opposite sex.

"It's payback time!", she laughed. "I can't wait."

Clare also agreed that the city of Bath was the perfect setting for her first pantomime role.

She said: "It's a lovely location - beautiful with very friendly people. I'm here for two months so you want somewhere where you're going to be happy."

Clare McGlinn as Robin Hood

The traditional panto is all about good old-fashioned children's entertainment, and it is this which led Clare to accept the role.

"It's so nice to be out there with the kids as I love children. They're our future audiences. Pantomime is often children's first experience of theatre - the whole interactive thing and I love all that."

How does Clare feel about playing the title role in arguably the definitive British pantomime - Babes in the Wood?

"Being Robin Hood was the big draw for me. Robbing from the rich and giving to the poor is my ideal statement in life!", she laughed.

Asked to sum up the forthcoming production's appeal to a prospective audience, Clare's response was succinct and to the point.

She said: "Come and watch Robin Hood because it's you the audience that will make it good!"

Joining Clare in the cast of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is Colin Tarrant as the Sherrif of Nottingham. Colin is better known for his regular TV role as The Bill's Inspector Monroe.

Jon Monie as Robber and Chris Harris as Nurse Nellie

Chris Harris who stars as Nurse Nellie is well-known as one of the best panto dames in the business, and is delighted to be playing a dual role this time - he will also be directing the production.

Playing Fairy is another recognisable face from TV - Sarah Thomas who has appeared as Glenda in the long-running BBC sitcom, Last of the Summer Wine since 1986.

Stef Williams as Maid Marion

Local girl and GWR FM Bath Breakfast Show presenter Stef Williams will be stepping into the role of Maid Marion. While Stef is no stranger to thigh-slapping, she admits that the role of Maid Marion is a step-up from her last panto experience.

"I was in Jungle Book once before and played Carl the Snake!", she said.

"This is a great part. It's nice to be playing a beefy kind of role like Maid Marion . She's quite boisterous and stands up to the Sherrif of Nottingham.

"Babes in the Wood is going to be great family entertainment - good fun for everyone, especially us!"

Another local face clocking up his third appearance in panto in Bath is HTV's Jon Monie.

"With panto there's a lot of freedom to have fun with it," said Jon "I really enjoy myself, I'm having a laugh and I hope to God the audience are!"

There is a slight departure for Jon in this year's production, which sees him switching sides.

"I'm playing a baddie for the first time. I've always played a good guy before. So I'm hoping that means I get booed a lot. Something I'm used to!"

Jon agrees that Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood will continue the Theatre Royal's tradition of hosting excellent panto productions.

He said: "There is definitely something for everyone. It's going to be colourful, lively with lots of laughter and lots of song. It's a great family pantomime."

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood runs at the Theatre Royal in Bath from Thursday 12th December 2002 until Sunday 19th January 2003.

Tickets are priced - Stalls/Royal Circle £18.50, Dress Circle £16.50, Grand Circle £11.50/£8.50, Boxes £70.00 (4 persons), £35.00 (3 persons), Gallery & Standby Seats £5 (sold in advance, no discounts).

Contact the Theatre Royal Box Office on 01225 448844.