There are pantomimes that simply arrive for Christmas, and then there are those that feel properly rooted in the theatre making them.
This year’s Robin Hood at Lichfield Garrick looks set to fall firmly into the second category. Running from 20 November 2026 until 10 January 2027, it marks the Garrick’s first fully in-house pantomime in more than a decade.
With returning favourites, a Great British Pantomime Award winner, handmade costumes and plenty of opportunities to shout at the stage, here are five reasons it is worth putting on the festive list.
1. This one is genuinely being made in Lichfield
One of the most interesting things about Robin Hood is that it is being produced in-house by the Garrick itself.
The theatre has spent much of 2026 building its own creative work, including producing the musical Disenchanted!, which later headed to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Robin Hood continues that direction, with the Garrick’s own creative team taking responsibility for the production rather than simply receiving a touring show.
That should give it a distinctive local personality.
2. Ben Thornton is back – this time as Robin Hood
Ben Thornton is already a familiar face to Garrick audiences and returns this year in the title role.
He clearly knows that pantomime works best when the audience becomes part of it.
As Thornton puts it: “I love the people of Lichfield, especially if they get involved!”
Expect plenty of cheering, booing, shouting and the sort of organised chaos that makes a good family panto work.
3. Nurse Nellie could steal the show
Every pantomime needs a great dame, and this year Nurse Nellie will be played by Ben Stock.
Stock is a Great British Pantomime Award winner with a career spanning theatre, singing, broadcasting and large-scale live performance.
He has performed in Trafalgar Square, released two albums and worked extensively across British theatre.
His reason for loving pantomime is pleasingly simple: seeing “the joy on people’s faces”.
That is probably as good a description of the job of the panto dame as you will find.
4. The costumes sound gloriously over-the-top
Pantomime is one of the few forms of theatre where subtlety is definitely optional.
Designer John Brooking seems to be embracing that wholeheartedly.
Expect swirling headpieces, enormous dresses, stars, flowers, vivid colours and costumes specifically designed to get a reaction before anyone has even delivered a line.
Brooking perhaps sums up the spirit of the whole thing best:
“With pantomime, the brakes are off a bit. You can actually go a bit mad.”
Quite right too.
5. It is becoming part of Lichfield’s Christmas tradition
Robin Hood arrives at a time when more families appear to be making the Garrick part of their annual festive routine.
The theatre says audience retention for last year’s pantomime increased by almost a quarter, suggesting plenty of visitors are coming back.
This year’s cast also mixes familiar Garrick faces with newcomers.
Joe Feeney returns as the Sheriff of Nottingham, while Eliza Waters plays Maid Marian, Rosie Napper takes on Morgana, Ashley Cavender appears as Merlin, Anna Soden plays Bluebell and Ben Stock becomes Nurse Nellie.
For families looking for a traditional Christmas outing with plenty of local character, this looks like a strong contender.
Robin Hood runs at Lichfield Garrick from 20 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
The press performance takes place on Thursday 26 November at 7pm.
Tickets and full performance listings:
https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/whats-on/category/christmas
Box Office: 01543 412121