Stratford East has announced the cast and creative team for its 2026 Christmas pantomime, Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem. The brand new East End take on the classic tale runs at the East London theatre from 21 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, and tickets are on sale now.
Billed as “An East London Pantomime”, the show swaps Sherwood Forest for the streets, stations, shops and estates of E15, with Robin trading a blazer for a hoodie.
What is Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem about?
Robin and the Merry Mandem zip around East London, rolling through Maryland, dodging the Central line rush and steering clear of anyone trying to ship them off to a terrible place at the far end of the line. A true villain’s punishment, according to the theatre.
Along the way they take from the rich, back the poor and show Stratford what happens when everyday people stand together. Families can expect big sets and costumes, plenty of comedy and the irreverent style Stratford East pantos are known for.
Stratford East panto 2026 cast
- Ashley Joseph as Robin (JoJo & Gran Gran and Justin’s House on CBeebies)
- Toyin Ayedun-Alase as Mayor
- Eshan Gopal as Lil John Jr
- Daniel Jacob as Muva (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; RuPaul’s Drag Race UK)
- Nickcolia King-N’da as Will Scarlet
- Kandaka Moore as FT
- Helen K Wint as Marian
Little CBeebies fans may well recognise Ashley Joseph, who has also appeared at Stratford East before.
Who is behind the show?
The panto is written by BAFTA-nominated writer Yolanda Mercy, best known for Channel 4’s Queenie, and directed by Olivier Award-winner Jade Lewis, Stratford East’s Associate Artistic Director. Music and lyrics are by Stratford East panto regular Robert Hyman, with set and costume design by Stewart J. Charlesworth.
Director Jade Lewis said she believes “theatre is for everyone and families have a right to access theatre spaces”, calling it an honour to direct her first show at the venue as Associate Artistic Director.
Artistic Director Lisa Spirling added: “Here at Stratford East, we take Panto very, very seriously!” Each year the theatre creates a brand new pantomime especially for audiences in Newham and beyond.
Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem: key details
- Where: Stratford East, East London
- When: 21 November 2026 to 2 January 2027
- Tickets: on sale now at stratfordeast.com
