OUTLAWS were spotted roaming the woods of Tamworth earlier this week.

Onlookers described the shady characters, who included a jester, an archer and a sheriff, as looking like the cast of a pantomime.

These sightings can only mean that the Tamworth Panto Company have officially launched their next big production, Robin Hood, hitting the Tamworth Assembly Rooms in January 2011.

The production follows the exploits of Robin Hood (last year's leading lady, Jenny Barlow-Jennings) as he continues to rob the rich to give to the poor – with no expenses claim in sight!

Robin is joined by his band of merry men, who work together to thwart the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, played by irrepressible baddie Terry Batham.

Hood's love interest is the delightful Maid Marion, played by Amy Williams. Amy is the group's newest member, after responding to the Herald's search for a Maid Marian.

The group's chairman, Ian Gibbons, said: "We are so pleased to welcome Amy to the group. We saw so many talented people in the audition stages, once again proving that talent is rife in Tamworth.

"We also welcome young Kirsty Lloyd to the group, whose beautiful voice will add another dimension to the company. We guarantee that both Kirsty and Amy will blow the audiences away."

Ian himself will be teaming up with Alex Farrell to play comedy duo Ant and Dec, whereas young talent Tom Edwards has stepped up to the leading comedy role of Ding-a-Ling, the Sheriff's jester.

Other notable parts include Emily Pitts and Daniel Shorrock, who play the two Babes.

This year's production is jointly written and directed by Tina McBain and John Garforth and tickets are on sale from today at the Tamworth Tourist Information Centre on Market Street, 01827 709618.

The pantomime will commence at the new start time of January 2, 2011 for one week.

Visit www.tamworthpantocompany.co.uk for details.