The Union Theatre's Christmas offering is a panto strictly for grown-ups. Throbbin' Hood & His Messy Men, written by Joshua Coley, runs in Southwark from 3 December 2026 to 9 January 2027.
Not every pantomime this winter is aimed at the family. Throbbin' Hood & His Messy Men is billed as adults only, and the Union Theatre is presenting it with How Cool Productions from 3 December 2026 to 9 January 2027.
Joshua Coley wrote the script and Michael Neri directs. Ben Bull is the production designer, Dylan Lowe designs the lighting, and casting is by Bea Regan.
The Sherwood legend gets a thoroughly rude makeover. In the town of Frottingham, King Dicky is away and his unloved brother Prince Andy has seized the reins, sending the Sheriff out to squeeze every last penny from the poor. It falls to Robin and his flamboyant band of outlaws to rescue the townsfolk, while Maid Marion tries to wriggle free of the prince. Freya Tucked, Little John Thomas and a helpful Spirit of the Forest are also in the mix.
The poster's own tagline sets the tone: "Pulling back, aiming high and releasing right on target".
Performances run Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with a 2pm matinee on Saturdays and a 6pm show on Sundays. Tickets cost £34 plus a booking fee, dropping to £20 plus a fee on Tuesdays, Saturday matinees and Sundays. Press night is 9 December 2026 at 7.30pm.
For more information, visit the official website.
