The Lichfield Garrick is preparing to transform into Sherwood Forest this Christmas as its first in-house-produced pantomime in more than a decade gets ready to take to the stage.

Robin Hood will run at the theatre from 20 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, with a cast featuring Garrick favourites alongside new faces.

Leading the production is Ben Thornton, who returns to the Garrick in the title role after becoming a familiar face to local audiences. He will be joined by Ben Stock, a Great British Pantomime Award winner, who will take on the role of pantomime dame Nurse Nellie.

Also joining the cast are Joe Feeney as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Rosie Napper as Morgana, Eliza Waters as Maid Marian, Ashley Cavender as Merlin and Anna Soden as Bluebell, Robin Hood's sister.

The production marks another significant milestone for the Lichfield Garrick, following a busy year which has included the theatre's first-ever in-house musical, Disenchanted!, as well as the extension of its lease by Lichfield District Council.

The Garrick has also continued to develop its community work, with the launch of the Arts Council-backed Creative Burntwood project.

For Thornton, returning to the Garrick for the festive season is an opportunity to reconnect with local audiences.

“Lichfield is an incredible, incredible city to spend Christmas,” he said. “My favourite thing about Lichfield is the Garrick and its audiences.”

The actor is hoping audiences will once again embrace the traditional pantomime atmosphere, adding: “I love the people of Lichfield, especially if they get involved!”

Joining Thornton on stage is Stock, who brings extensive experience to the production. As well as winning a Great British Pantomime Award, Stock has performed to large crowds in Trafalgar Square, released two albums and worked as a showbiz reporter for BBC Radio Bristol.

“I've heard that the audiences at the Lichfield Garrick are the best in the country, so I'm really looking forward to playing for them, and possibly seeing them in Tesco on the way home,” he said.

Behind the scenes, the production brings together a number of familiar Garrick names. Barry Smith returns to design the lighting, while Gary Jerry takes charge of the musical direction.

Following her work on Disenchanted!, Kayleigh Dettmer returns as choreographer, while Garrick CEO and Artistic Director Daniel Buckroyd directs the production. John Brooking leads on set and costume design, with costumes being created and hand-stitched by a team of staff and volunteers at the theatre.

Among the cast, both Napper and Waters also have strong connections with the Garrick. Waters previously worked at the theatre as a deputy stage manager before graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2019, while Napper recently appeared as Cinderella in Disenchanted!.

“I’m thrilled to be back,” said Napper.

With a mix of traditional panto ingredients, comedy, music and audience participation, Robin Hood promises a festive production designed to bring families back to the Garrick throughout the Christmas period.

Robin Hood runs at Lichfield Garrick from 20 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.

Tickets are available from lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the Box Office on 01543 412121.