Stratford East's panto Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem takes over E15

Pantomime season is coming to Stratford, and this year the legend of Robin Hood is moving east. Stratford East's 2026 pantomime, Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem, runs from 21 November 2026 to 2 January 2027.

The show reimagines the famous outlaw for east London. Robin and the Merry Mandem move through Stratford's streets, stations, shops and estates, fighting injustice in E15 and standing up for their community, with comedy, music and spectacle along the way.

It has a strong creative team. The panto is written by BAFTA nominated writer Yolanda Mercy and directed by Olivier Award winner Jade Lewis, the theatre's associate artistic director, with music and lyrics by Robert Hyman and set and costume design by Stewart J. Charlesworth.

Ashley Joseph leads the cast as Robin, with Helen K Wint as Marian, Toyin Ayedun-Alase as the Mayor, Eshan Gopal as Lil John Jr, Daniel Jacob as Muva, Nickcolia King-N'da as Will Scarlet and Kandaka Moore as FT.

"I believe that theatre is for everyone and families have a right to access theatre spaces," said Jade Lewis. Artistic director Lisa Spirling added, with a smile, that "we take Panto very, very seriously!"

The pantomime caps Spirling's first year in charge. She joined from Theatre 503, and her debut 2026 season opened with the UK premiere of Moisés Kaufman's Here There Are Blueberries, followed by Nancy Medina's production of Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy, after its run at Bristol Old Vic. Ava Pickett's Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy was also announced as Spirling's directing debut at the theatre.

Stratford East has a proud history. It was once run by Joan Littlewood, a hugely influential figure whom Time Out credits with giving British theatre "an almighty kick up the backside", and the theatre has remained a home for bold, popular work rooted in its community.

For families looking for a festive outing with a local twist, it is hard to beat a panto set in the very streets outside the theatre.

Stratford East is on Gerry Raffles Square, a short walk from Stratford station. For tickets and dates, visit stratfordeast.com.