Robin Hood Pantomime First Images Released: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch 2026

Key Points

• First Look Released: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has officially unveiled the initial production images for its upcoming festive pantomime, Robin Hood.
• Lead Cast Announced: Actor, singer, and writer Folarin Akinmade takes on the title role of Robin Hood, while returning performer Lauren Chinery steps into the role of Cyril the Squirrel.
• Local Setting: The new adaptation relocates the legendary tale into a local context, setting the festive story within the “Forest of Havering”.
• Community Engagement: The theatre is running a “Design a Dame” competition aimed at young audiences aged 4 to 18, with submissions closing on August 7.

Hornchurch (East London Times) August 6, 2026 – Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has formally released the first promotional images for its upcoming festive pantomime, Robin Hood, revealing the lead cast members and character designs for the brand-new production. As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, the new image release provides the local community with an initial preview of actor Folarin Akinmade in the title role of Robin Hood and returning cast member Lauren Chinery as Cyril the Squirrel.

What Has Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Released for Its Upcoming Pantomime?

The venue officially launched the promotional campaign by debuting the first visual stills from the forthcoming production. As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, the venue confirmed that this year’s seasonal show will feature a brand-new, family-oriented story centered on the classic English folk hero. The released imagery showcases the visual direction, costuming, and core characters designed for the upcoming stage run.

Who Are the Main Cast Members Leading the Cast of Robin Hood?

The production brings together a mix of new talent and familiar theatre faces. As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, Folarin Akinmade will perform in the lead role of Robin Hood. Akinmade is a South London-based actor, singer, and writer. His previous performance credits include playing Gimli in The Lord of The Rings: A Musical Tale at the Watermill Theatre, participating in Perfect Show For Rachel at the Barbican Centre and on its UK tour, and appearing in Road Show at Upstairs at The Gatehouse Theatre.

Joining Akinmade on stage is Lauren Chinery, who plays Cyril the Squirrel. Chinery returns to the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch pantomime roster following her previous appearances as Pat the Cow in Jack and the Beanstalk and Buttons in Cinderella. Beyond her work in Hornchurch, Chinery’s performance background includes the Grosvenor Park Open Air Season 2025 at Chester Storyhouse, Blonde Bombshells of 1943 at the Bolton Octagon, and the 2022 UK tour of Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing on Back the Good Times.

What Story and Features Can Audiences Expect From the Havering Production?

The classic adventure narrative has been adapted to incorporate local elements for the Havering district. As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, the venue stated that the show takes place in the “Forest of Havering,” where Robin Hood joins forces with his Merry Band and Maid Marian to outwit the greedy Sheriff through “daring tricks, silly mishaps and plenty of audience mischief”.

The venue described the show as an action-packed family adventure incorporating original musical numbers, set designs, costumes, and traditional pantomime elements such as audience interaction, heroes to cheer, and villains to boo.

What Is the Design a Dame Competition for Young Theatregoers?

Alongside the casting announcements and character reveals, the venue is actively engaging younger community members through a creative contest. As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is hosting a “Design a Dame” competition for audience members aged between 4 and 18. The deadline for entries is August 7, with full submission criteria published on the venue’s official website.

What Is the Background Behind Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s Pantomime Tradition?

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch serves as a key cultural hub for the London Borough of Havering and surrounding Essex areas, maintaining an annual tradition of producing in-house festive pantomimes. Historically, these productions represent the venue’s most widely attended events of the theatrical season, drawing thousands of school groups, local families, and multi-generational theatergoers.

The theatre frequently integrates local geographical references—such as replacing Sherwood Forest with the Forest of Havering—to tailor classic stories directly to its regional constituency. In previous years, the theatre’s pantomimes, such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, have received regional critical acclaim for incorporating live musicianship, professional cast ensembles, and interactive community outreach initiatives.

How Will This Development Affect Local Audiences and the Havering Community?

The release of the first official images and cast details marks the operational commencement of Havering’s festive theatre season. For local families, arts patrons, and school groups, this development signals the opening of ticket bookings and early scheduling for winter leisure activities.

Economically and socially, a successful pantomime run provides significant footfall for Hornchurch town centre businesses, including local eateries, retail outlets, and public transport links during the winter trading period. Furthermore, initiatives such as the “Design a Dame” competition directly involve children and young people in the artistic process, fostering early youth engagement with regional performing arts institutions.