Young audiences need no encouragement to get going in Newbury: at the Robin Hood performance I attended, the singing started before the band arrived, and long before Billy Bumpkin first enquired: “Are you excited?” “YESSS!” came the immediate reply.

Like several other members of the cast, Billy (Matthew Grace) is: “Back here by public demand — my Mum wanted me out of the house”. He is soon in trouble, for he rudely tells an approaching visitor that he is “waiting for someone from The X-Factor”. On turning round, he belatedly realises that he has insulted tall and distinguished-looking King Richard (Callum McArdle). Luckily for Billy, however, he needs a favour: in writer Phil Willmott’s version of the Robin Hood legend, the King is going travelling, and wants to park his six daughters (local youngsters, all excellent at both singing and dancing).

Enter Billy’s mother, Lady Shania Tuck, who is only too willing to house the royal children. Lady Shania (Ian Mowat, another Newbury favourite) is attired in a series of garish frocks that would surely cause raised eyebrows should she ever get invited to Downton Abbey, aka Highclere, just up the road. Worse, the frocks are whipped off in one of the best panto stripping scenes I’ve seen for years. There’s a great performance, too, from Clare Plested as the chav-like songstress Sharon-a-Dale, while Robin Hood (Jorden Bird) and Maid Marion (Jessie Lilley) duly get mighty soppy over each other.

Of course, there are baddies too. Prince John (Joe Wicks) and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alistair Hoyle) try to convince us that they mean no harm. However, nobody is convinced: “You lied to me! It was scary when the baddies lock people up in a cage!” six-year-old Kirsten Brown told her parents, who are friends of ours. However, Kirsten can’t wait to see this ebullient panto again. I’m not surprised.

Until January 2. Tickets: www.cornexchangenew.com or 01635 522733.