WILL Robinson Crusoe no longer need his Man Friday for a swash-buckling panto at The Theatre Chipping Norton?

In fact, the famous castaway will be sharing the stage with the Pirate Queen for panto season.

Oh yes he will.

Vanessa Managhan, head of marketing at the theatre said: "The Theatre Chipping Norton sets sail this season with Robinson Crusoe and the Pirate Queen - a charismatic twist on the well-loved Daniel Defoe classic.

"This year’s swashbuckling panto-adventure takes our strapping hero Robinson Crusoe buccaneering across the high tides on the most daring and vibrant voyage yet to find a stash of long-lost treasure. Accompanied by the ship-shape crew of the Saucy Nancy, his mum Cammie and a whole host of colourful characters he meets along the way, Robinson must find the treasure before it reaches the evil clutches of the Pirate Queen, Betty Babcock and her band of pillaging pirates."

She added: "Chipping Norton’s secret panto recipe rustles together toe-tapping original music from Ollie Birch, a side-splitting script from playwright Andrew Pollard and hilariously clever direction from The Theatre’s very own Artistic Director, John Terry. "Striking set designs by Russell Craig along with magnificent costumes by designer Emily Stuart complete the mix which promises to be an uproarious escapade. So splice your main braces, buckle your swash and get ready for one of the most exciting and colourful pantos of the year."

The show will run from Tuesday November 15 to Sunday January 8.

Tickets and further details on, 01608 642 350 and www.chippingnortontheatre.com