Stratford East has announced the cast and creative team for its 2026 pantomime, Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem, which runs from 21 November 2026 to 2 January 2027.
The new production offers an East End spin on the classic story, transporting Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem to the streets, stations, shops and estates of Stratford as they take on injustice in the heart of E15.
BAFTA-nominated writer Yolanda Mercy has penned the production, with Olivier Award-winning director and Stratford East Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis at the helm. Music and lyrics come from long-time Stratford East pantomime collaborator Robert Hyman, while Stewart J. Charlesworth designs the set and costumes.
Ashley Joseph will star as Robin, joined by Toyin Ayedun-Alase as Mayor, Eshan Gopal as Lil John Jr, Daniel Jacob as Muva, Nickcolia King-N’da as Will Scarlet, Kandaka Moore as FT and Helen K Wint as Marian.
The creative team also includes choreographer Jade Hackett, lighting designer Craig West, sound designer Conrad Kira, musical director Rachel Wells, casting director Rob Kelly and costume supervisor Chantal Short.
Director Jade Lewis said: “I believe that theatre is for everyone and families have a right to access theatre spaces, which makes directing a Panto such an honour and a privilege especially working with Stratford East Panto royalty Rob Hyman and Stewart Charlesworth. Yolanda Mercy is an incredible artist, who I have collaborated with throughout my career, and I am elated to be welcoming her to the wonderful world of Stratford East, to create a fun, dynamic, classic Stratford pantomime. Our cast and creative team are iconic in their own field which makes this collaboration a dream! I am so excited to be directing my first piece of theatre here at as an artist but also as the Associate Artistic Director.”
Stratford East Artistic Director Lisa Spirling said: “Here at Stratford East, we take Panto very, very seriously! Each year a brand-new pantomime is created especially for our audiences in Newham and beyond. This year we are delighted to bring Robin Hood to East London and to see them and their Merry Mandem let loose on our stage. This dream creative team is brilliantly led by our Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis, working with her long-time collaborator writer Yolanda Mercy, who have come together with Stratford Panto legends Rob Hyman (music) and Stewart Charlesworth (design) to create a pantomime that is as irreverent, clever and magical as ever.”
The production promises a festive adventure packed with comedy, music and spectacle as Robin and their crew stand up for the local community and challenge those in power.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
