IT’S a real community effort, and a much anticipated festive event for the village, when Headley’s panto hits the village hall stage every January.

And this year is no exception, with Robin Hood involving a merry band of actors and backstage helpers.

The director is Rod Sharp who has been with Headley Theatre Club continuously since the 1970s.

He’s usually a stalwart on the stage but this year he’s doing the directing honours, with a spot of panto horse-minding into the bargain.

Maid Marion is being played by Zya White who will be celebrating her 14th birthday during the course of the run.

Her mother, Mel, played the same part some 25 years ago.

The part of Mother Hood is being taken by Cavan Syrad who has rejoined Headley Theatre Club after an absence of 40 years.

He remembers doing panto with Headley when Rod’s dad was directing.

Cavan and his wife Loretta are also painting the sets.

Performances are on Saturday and Sunday, January 15 and 16, and Saturday and Sunday, January 22 and 23.

Show times are 8pm with matinees at 2.30pm on the Saturdays.

Tickets are available from 01428 717358 or on the website www.headley-village.com/drama.