'We're proud to be part of a Christmas tradition'

Jason Manford and Ben Nickless star in Robin Hood in Manchester

With December around the corner it's nearly that time of year again... oh no it isn't, oh yes it is! Yes that's right, it's pantomime season.

From Jack and the Beanstalk to Aladdin, Snow White to Cinderella, nothing says it's almost Christmas like the British tradition of shouting "he's behind you!" at the top of your voice.

And going to see your local panto is an annual tradition many families across the North West have enjoyed for generations.

It's something that local comedians Jason Manford and Ben Nickless say they are proud to be a part of.

"It sounds a bit cheesy but it's actually a privilege to do it, because you're part of people's Christmas tradition," Manford said.

"The audience is so up for it, it just makes it so easy for us and we just have a great time," Nickless added.

The pair star in this year's production of Robin Hood at the Opera House in Quay Street, Manchester.

The comedians say pantomime crowds "help keep theatre alive"

They said the audience participation is what makes pantomime "not feel like a job".

"Obviously I'm from Manchester as well, so it's a big deal for me," Manford said.

"I do a little thing... I say who's here with their mum, who's here with their dad, who's here with their kids, or you know, who's here with their parent or whatever, and a lot of adults or parents are here with no kids - it's just a part of their tradition," he said.

"They've done it for 20 years and that's what they do.

"It's got everything for your kids, for you, for your parents. We get three, four generations of the same family.

"Everyone's got their own reason for coming to a panto."

The festive performances have also become somewhat of a tradition for actors.

It's Manford's fourth panto and Nickless's seventh.

"Whilst some people in theatre might be a bit snobby about it, it's actually what keeps theatre alive," Manford said.

"You got to see a half full [The] Cherry Orchard in June because we did the panto at Christmas."

Robin Hood runs at Opera House Manchester from 6 Dec 2025 to 4 Jan 2026.

"Obviously I'm from Manchester as well, so it's a big deal for me," Manford said.