Key Points
- The new pantomime production of the old story “Robin Hood” is presented to the audience by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch on their festive Christmas season.
- This production includes a new plot based in the Forest of Havering which has been written by Kate Lovell and James Watson.
- There will be new songs and music composed by Andrew Linham while the stage director will be Kash Arshad.
- Famous characters from the plot include Folarin Akinmade as Robin Hood, Lauren Chinery as Cyril the Squirrel, Tom Vercnocke as Sheriff of Havering, and Verity Bajoria as Maid Marian.
- Other actors in the play are Killian Macardle, Megan Ashley, Georgia Leila Stoller, Elizabeth Ellen, and Perry Meadowcroft.
- Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch receives an annual audience of 106,000 and involves 30,700 people in their outreach programs.
Hornchurch (East London Times) September 11, 2026 – A classic English folklore tale is set to receive a festive theatrical adaptation this Christmas as Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch officially announces its forthcoming production of Robin Hood. The newly written pantomime promises to deliver a fresh twist on the legendary hero, shifting the traditional narrative location directly into the local area with a setting established in the Forest of Havering.
What can audiences expect from the new Robin Hood pantomime?
The production brings together an original creative team alongside a multi-talented performance ensemble. The brand-new script has been penned by co-writers Kate Lovell and James Watson, featuring completely original musical compositions and lyrics created by Andrew Linham. The entire stage production is being directed by Kash Arshad, who has structured the show to feature classic pantomime elements including comedic mishaps, theatrical mischief, and extensive interactive audience participation.
Director Kash Arshad highlighted the standard of the performance company assembled for the festive run. Kash Arshad stated that
“This is a wonderful cast, we have found not only the crème de la crème of actor musician talent, both locally and nationally, they are all joyful, silly, hilarious and have that all important pantomime sparkle that makes a Hornchurch panto.”
Kash Arshad further noted that “They will bring so much fun and laughter and delight to the much-loved story of Robin Hood,” before adding that “Audiences are in for a real treat.”
Who is appearing in the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch cast?
The titular role of Robin Hood will be performed by Folarin Akinmade. Joining the principal line-up, Verity Bajoria takes on the role of Maid Marian, whilst Tom Vercnocke assumes the antagonist role as the Sheriff of Havering. Adding to the traditional pantomime character list, Lauren Chinery has been cast as Cyril the Squirrel.
The main cast is supported by a broader company of actor-musicians, including Killian Macardle, Megan Ashley, Georgia Leila Stoller, Elizabeth Ellen, and Perry Meadowcroft.
What is the background of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch?
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch operates as a major cultural venue within East London and Essex. According to official venue figures, the theatre welcomes more than 106,000 audience members through its doors each year. In addition to its main stage programming, the venue engages a further 30,700 community members annually through wide-ranging participation and education programmes.
The venue has secured notable industry recognition in recent years, having been named UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre across three separate years. Furthermore, the organisation was selected as a finalist across eight categories at the Off West End Theatre Awards (Offies).
Prediction
The staging of Robin Hood at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is expected to directly benefit local theatergoers, families, and the broader Havering community during the festive period. By localising the folklore setting to the “Forest of Havering,” the production strengthens regional cultural engagement while drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Hornchurch town centre. For local families and school groups, the annual pantomime remains an accessible entry point into live theatre, reinforcing community ties and providing vital seasonal revenue that supports the venue’s year-round artistic and educational outreach.
