Grade-Ruan Church of England School travelled back to Medieval times when a money loving Sheriff ruled Notting-ham and outlaws with tights and long-bows fought for justice.

The hard work and determination from the children in years four, five and six, together with dedicated support from the school staff, certainly paid off when they presented an extraordinary adventure in the guise of the pantomime Babes in the Wood, but with local twists. Entirely written by the Kynance pupils and class teacher Mrs Marion Jennings, who retires in July, audiences sat back and enjoyed a fantastic mix of hilarity and drama.

As evil schemes and "cunning" plans faced Robin Hood (Jessica Sealey) and his men, Maid Marion was kidnapped and the Babes, Sammy (Thomas Newman) and Suzie, went missing whilst the Fairy of the Forest (Yasmin Burgess) assured everyone that all would be well.

Will Scarlet (Caitlin Blight-Anderson) made an exhausting run to inform Robin of the evil Sheriff's tricks. Robin fought for Maid Marion's safety against the convincingly bad Sheriff (Treve Harry). Halfway through the sword fight, Sir Guy of Camborne (Paddy Alfrey-Cryan) made a heroic entrance leaving Robin outnumbered two to one. It took the Babes' Governess, Miss Dolly (Tommy Phillips), to get Robin out of danger.

Miss Dolly was a hit with the audience, especially when "she" said: "Is that the Sheriff? Isn't he gorgeous?!". Other highlights included when the Sheriff exclaimed: "Do I look bovered?!" and later when he proclaimed his love for Miss Dolly!

Nasal delights were enjoyed when Friar Tuck (Harry Deacon) tricked the Sheriff's silly henchmen, Antler and Decler (Dominic Robertson and Jake Woodley), with a frying pan full of freshly cooked eggs and bacon!

Grade-Ruan's twelve year sixes filled the principle roles and commanded the stage whilst staff, parents and friends took cameo roles. Sir Andrew Lloyd Wooder (Mr Andrew Woods) was a governor judging prospective new teachers for Sherwood Primary. This was a real laugh with his twitches and facial expressions, he even made a real dinosaur impression in the style of the real Sir Andrew and everyone loved it. An appearance from the Archbishop of Nottingham (Rev Bill Cole) also received the audience's approval.

No expense was spared in the special effects but the children in the audience were still in wonder to see Maid Marion (Ellie Gow) shoot her arrow right in the centre of the target!

An outstanding cast, complete with pasties, authentic costumes, songs, rescues and baddies coming good, Babes in the Wood was certainly a pantomime to remember.

captions: The Sheriff's silly henchmen, Antler and Decler, played by Dominic Robertson and Jake Woodley were tricked by Friar Tuck, played by Harry Deacon The principals pose for a quick photograph The villagers entertain during their time on stage The cast of Grade Ruan's school get prepared for their pantomime Babes in the Wood, which incorporates local twists Pictures: Sarita Foord