Oh, how I wish it were me stepping out in the velvet gowns and swishing through the forest as Maid Marian this Christmas! But alas, my satchel is too full of theatre gossip and press releases for me to trade it in for a bow and arrow. Luckily, Corn Exchange Newbury have found just the right Marian (and a dashing Robin too) for this year’s pantomime, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
Audiences are invited to tumble headfirst into the magical forests of Newburyshire, where Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and their merry gang will face off against the dastardly Sheriff. Expect daring rescues, glittering costumes, and chart-topping tunes to keep spirits flying high into the New Year.
Taking up the mantle of trusty Robin Hood is Harry Sweetman (Sunday with Sondheim, The Watermill Theatre), while Samara Rawlins (Robin Hood, Exeter Northcott Theatre) steps into Marian’s sparkling shoes. Together, they’ll charm, outwit, and out-dance the corrupt Sheriff of Newburyshire, played by returning villain Alex Crandon (Dick Whittington, Corn Exchange Newbury).
Back on the Corn Exchange stage are Grace Kelly Miller as the brilliantly bumbling Willamina Scarlett, Graham Mackay-Bruce (Othello, RSC) as the overprotective Nursemaid Nellie, and Jenny Perry (The Phantom of the Opera, European Tour) as the delightfully daft Fairy Ferne-A-Dale. The ensemble features returning favourite Abby Fell, joined by Finley Davies (Fame!) and Sophie McKinnon (Resident Lead Vocalist, Brick Lane Music Hall).
Behind the curtain, the creative trio Plested Brown and Wilsher are steering the pantomime ship once again. With Clare Plested’s comic spark, Adam Brown’s (The Hobbit) storytelling flair, and Amanda Wilsher’s seasoned direction (after helming Jack and the Beanstalk in 2022 and Beauty and the Beast in 2023), the show is in safe and very silly hands. Add choreography by Miranda Wilford, music from Ben Barrow, and sets by Mark Walters, and it’s shaping up to be a festive feast.
Corn Exchange’s Jessica Jhundoo-Evans says:
“With some favourite familiar faces joining a host of new and exceptional talent, we are really looking forward to presenting Robin Hood and Maid Marian to audiences of West Berkshire from Friday 28 November.”
And the best part? The cast may be complete, but the merry band won’t be ready without one final role — you, the audience. Whether you’re booing the Sheriff, cheering for Robin, or secretly wishing you could play Marian too (like me), Newburyshire needs its people.
Robin Hood and Maid Marian runs at Corn Exchange Newbury from Friday 28 November 2025, supported by Rivar Ltd.
So, grab your quivers and your mince pies, and I’ll see you in the stalls — if I’m not daydreaming about trying on Marian’s gown first.
https://cornexchangenew.com/events/robin-hood-and-maid-marian
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