The first rehearsal pictures are out for Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem, Stratford East's new pantomime, which opens on 21 November with Ashley Joseph as Robin.
Stratford East has released a first look inside the rehearsal room for Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem, its world-premiere panto for this Christmas. The run starts on Saturday 21 November 2026 and ends on Saturday 2 January 2027.
The photographs are by Mark Senior. Ashley Joseph, who plays Robin, works through scenes with his gang: Nickcolia King-N'da as Will Scarlet, Kandaka Moore as FT, Eshan Gopal as Lil John Jr and Daniel Jacob as Muva. Helen K Wint (Marian) and Toyin Ayedun-Alase (Mayor) are in the frame too.
The show moves the outlaw from the forest to E15. Robin and his crew cross East London by street, station, shop and estate, robbing the rich to help the poor and proving that a neighbourhood is stronger when it pulls together, all while staying out of reach of anyone hoping to banish them to the far end of the Central line.
Yolanda Mercy writes the book and lyrics. Jade Lewis, Stratford East's Associate Artistic Director, directs. Music and lyrics are by Robert Hyman, a fixture of the theatre's pantos for 28 years, who is pictured at the keyboard with musical director Rachel Wells. Stewart J. Charlesworth designs the set and costumes, with choreography by Jade Hackett, lighting by Craig West, sound by Conrad Kira and casting by Rob Kelly.
The full company was confirmed in September, when we reported Joseph's casting as Robin.
The panto is suitable for all ages. Access performances are a BSL-interpreted show on Friday 11 December at 6.30pm, a captioned show on Friday 18 December at 6.30pm, an audio-described matinee on Saturday 19 December at 12pm and a relaxed performance on Saturday 2 January 2027 at 12pm.
Tickets are on sale now at Theatre Royal Stratford East, in Gerry Raffles Square, E15. Press night is Friday 27 November 2026 at 7pm.
