THE Nuffield Christmas show may not be the biggest under the tree - but it's certainly one of the best.

Despite being one of the earliest festive offerings of the season - this one actually started in November - its combination of comedy, romance and sheer seasonal silliness is guaranteed to bring on that fabled feelgood mood quicker than the mulled wine served up in the interval.

As in previous years, it benefits from being treated, in terms of acting and production values, as seriously as any other show.

Directed and freely adapted from a variety of sources by Nuffield artistic director Patrick Sandford - equally at home with family-friendly fun as the serious drama he is renowned for - this Robin Hood was a gloriously camp, and occasionally heroically moving, take on the classic English legend.

The deliberately subdued opening scene, complete with historical info-dump, quickly gives way to a hearty medieval romp featuring songs, rock-fights and deliciously ripe dialogue.

Stealing the show this year is Granville Saxton as the leather-clad sheriff and Andy Spiegel as his ineffectual sidekick Guy of Gisborne.

Saxton's rapport with the audience was almost tangible, while Spiegel's comic ineptness was a joy. Together, they'd give any Ugly Sisters a run for their money.

Add to that a healthy dose of audience participation, including a riotous maypole dance, and you've got a show that will keep you grinning well into the new year.

Runs until January 10.