Louis Smith MBE is returning to the New Theatre Royal stage as the master of menace and destroyer of dreams, the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham in this spectacular Christmas adventure.
Robin Hood and his band of merry men are ready to bring quick-wit fun, friendship and a whole lot of Christmas cheer to Lincoln as the New Theatre Royal’s action-packed show takes to the stage from Friday, December 5th, 2025 to Sunday, January 4th, 2026.
Following Robin on his quest to save King Richard’s Kingdom, it is set to be the merriest adventure with the merriest of men, promising to hit the spot for all ages, with a cast filled with returning favourites and new faces.
“I’m buzzing to be back in Lincoln for my third year of panto!” says Olympic medallist and Strictly Come Dancing winner Louis Smith. “When I was asked if I wanted to play the good guy or the villain, I jumped at the chance to be bad again.
“I’ve played both sides before, but this year I’m really excited to push myself and make the Sheriff of Nottingham my most challenging role yet. Lincoln audiences are always brilliant, and I can’t wait to bring some mischief, mayhem, and plenty of laughs to the stage this Christmas”.
Bringing charisma and chemistry to the stage is a real-life husband-and-wife duo, stepping into the titular role of Robin Hood and the fair Maid Marian. Joshua Mumby, who previously wowed audiences in his West End production of The Blues Brothers and the acclaimed play An Idle World, brings all the cheeky charm and dynamic stage presence. Kristel Herrera, a standout contestant on the popular Filipino singing competition Tawag ng Tanghalan, delivers sensational vocals and radiant beauty.
No stranger to the NTR stage, Shane Tyler joins the cast for his pantomime debut as Little John, the towering, lovable rogue. “I’m so excited to be doing my first panto – especially on a stage I’ve danced on many times before. Robin Hood was one of my childhood favourites, from the Disney classic to the Kevin Costner version, so being part of this story feels really special. Playing Little John is going to be a lot of fun; he’s loyal, fun-loving, and always ready with his trusty quarterstaff. It’s a brilliant role and I can’t wait to bring some laughs and energy to the stage!”
Joining the adventure is the comedic bundle of fun Julian Bailey-Jones as the endearing Will Scarlet and bringing some magic and adding extra sparkle to the stage, all the way from Canada, is Courtney Zelter, making her NTR debut as Fairy Maple-Leaf!
Lincoln’s favourite dame, Alex Singh is back and is sure to have our audience all in a quiver as Nurse Nora – “Lincoln, you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried! After surviving a year in a castle with The Wicked Queen, I’m thrilled to return as Nurse Nora – now navigating bandits, bows, and bedpans in Robin Hood. The New Theatre Royal is my home away from home, and Lincoln audiences are simply the best – warm, loud, and just cheeky enough to keep up with me. Sherwood won’t know what hit it – and frankly, neither will Robin!”
The theatre is also thrilled to welcome back Althea Burey. After charming audiences last year as Fairy Forget-Me-Not, Althea returns this Christmas to step into the boots of Franny Tuck, a brilliant twist on the classic Friar, she is set to bring a whole lot of mead to the show. “I’m back and so excited to make a grand return to the New Theatre Royal Lincoln in Robin Hood! I know you’ll never forget Fairy Forget Me Not but this year, I can’t wait to bring Franny Tuck to life! She’s going to ruffle some feathers; she’s coming to bring the laughs and give any other version of Friar Tuck a good run for their money. My time in Lincoln last year was so good I decided to do it all over again, see you all soon!”
At the helm is NTR’s own creative powerhouse Natalie Hayes-Cowley. Serving as writer, director and producer, she is also back bringing bad-girl vibes as Ragwort Runt, the devious tax-collecting sidekick of the Sheriff of Nottingham – “Robin Hood is one of my favourite pantomimes, I’m excited to welcome back audience favourites and to introduce new talent, including a performer all the way from Canada! Our patrons can expect a lively production that packs a punch! With larger-than-life characters, an eclectic array of hit songs to suit all ages, and showstopping dance routines with our unique NTR stamp! Get ready to cheer, boo and laugh ‘til your cheeks hurt, I’m so excited for this one!”
The pantomime is at the Clasketgate venue (LN2 1JJ) from December 5th, 2025 to January 4th, 2026.
A signed and relaxed performance will take place on Sunday, December 7th at 1.30pm.
Book via the Box Office on 01522 519999 or online at www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk.
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