YOUNG actors in Monmouth are preparing to tread the boards in their annual Christmas panto.

The Savoy Youth Theatre Academy is bringing ‘Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood’ to the Savoy Theatre later this month.

Robin Hood, Maid Marion and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham are among the characters to feature in the action-packed family show.

The production features 12 members of the senior youth theatre and ten junior members, including four ten-year-olds.

One of the stars this year is Chief, an eight-year-old collie cross. Chief, who is owned by the show’s producer Sam Densham, is making his third appearance on stage and will be helping to defeat the Sheriff and rescue all the lost children trapped down a mine.

Joining Chief are Andrina Amsdell, as Robin, and Emma MacNab as Marion; both are among a handful of professional actors in the panto.

Producer Sam, who is the director of the Savoy Youth Theatre, says the show is a combination of witty storytelling, modern and much-loved music and great acting.

The panto runs on December 28 at 1pm and 5pm; on December 29 and 30 at 2pm and 7pm; and on December 31 and January 1 at 4pm. Tickets are £12 adults, £8 under-16s and family £35, from the Savoy box office.