A panto's progress: behind the scenes at Robin Hood and His Merry Mam

Designer Phil R Daniels works on the costumes, including two racy numbers worn by Berwick Kaler's dame: a carrot and what appears to be an entire kitchen garden Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Designs for the York panto have to be completed by April; there are 86 costumes and dozens of sets, all handmade Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Props in the scenic artists' department Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Dancer Alix Ross touches up her makeup Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Ross's dressing room table has everything needed to survive a gruelling panto run Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

A dancer pauses during technical rehearsals, always the most complicated – and mind-numbing – section of the process Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

This year's panto is based on the story of Robin Hood – with a timely Olympic theme Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Vincent Gray (Robin Hood) practises a fight scene Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Actors wait in the wings Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

This is the legendary Berwick Kaler's 34th panto at York; as well as starring as the dame, he also wrote the script and co-directs the show Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Going, going ... Berwick Kaler gets ready to be hoisted into the theatre's flies Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

... Gone! Robin Hood and his Merry Mam is at York Theatre Royal until 2 February Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian