CANNON and Ball return to Bradford this month, bringing their own comic take on the Robin Hood legend.

Ha Ha Hood! And The Prince Of Leaves is described as an “all-out outrageous comic romp” set a decade after Robin and Marian’s messy divorce, when they’re forced back together to fight the Sheriff once more. Little John and Friar Tuck, older and rougher around the edges, join the merry pair to try and save the citizens of Nottingham.

Created by Ben Langley, who plays Robin, Ha Ha Hood! And The Prince of Leaves gallops in with a cast headed by Bobby Ball, playing both Friar Tuck and Guy of Gisborne, and Tommy Cannon doubling up as Little John and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. A menopausal Maid Marian is played by Su Pollard, another Nottinghamshire feisty female.

This year sees Cannon and Ball celebrating 40 years since their first TV appearance and a whopping 50 years together as a duo. The Cannon and Ball Show ran for nine years and the pair have two sitcoms and countless theatre and panto appearances under their belts, as well as their memorable stint on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. “When our manager called about Ha Ha Hood I thought he’d been in the pub, it sounded like nothing we’d ever done before,” said Bobby. “But when he explained the concept it sounded like a lot of fun.”

Tommy is relishing getting his teeth into a baddie role. “The Sheriff is mean, mad and bad with a twinkle in his eye,” he said.

“I have to say I’m worried about Bobby as he’s said that playing the Friar means he can go back to the pies and chips. He said I have to stay sleek and watch what I eat. That doesn’t seem fair.”

Bobby said: “This Friar Tuck’s a lover of junk food. He’d be proud to know that years on, his name and image would be stolen for chip shops across the country!

“He’s a good friend to Robin and Marian, but he gets a little angry with Robin leaving his arrows everywhere, especially on chairs. I’ve got a bottom like a pin cushion.”

The pair say the appeal of the show is its knockabout sense of fun and parody. The characters are older than usual – does this provide a fresh take on the legend? “Of course, because the industry always shows characters as young people,” said Bobby. “What happened to them later in life? Come and see the show!”

Tommy added: “They have lived and have so many great stories to tell now. Although we’re a bit worried if Marian is really still a maid. Su will be terrific, it’s going to be great working with her.”

Bobby says their partnership still works because they are friends firstly. “And secondly, we don’t know how to do anything else!”

Ha Ha Hood is at St George’s Hall on Tuesday, October 28. For tickets call (01274) 432000.