New ROBIN HOOD Panto Plays Theatre Royal Stratford East Tonight

This Christmas audiences will be transformed to the land of StratEastHam by the Olivier Award nominated and critically acclaimed team at Theatre Royal Stratford East, with their new adaption of ROBIN HOOD. Combining the timeless story with a contemporary and fresh script and original music, this version is sure to impress audiences during its run at the highly renowned East London producing house. ROBIN HOOD is running from Saturday 5 December to Saturday 23 January, with press night tonight 16 December.

Theatre Royal Stratford East delivers great pantomimes for audiences of all age's year upon year. Their speciality lies in producing a show that reflects the dynamism of its vibrant community and capturing new audiences through its innovative storytelling, making it arguably the most relevant, entertaining and ultimately the best pantomime in London.

This brand new script is written by groundbreaking duo Trish Cooke and Robert Hyman, and directed by Kerry Michael, ROBIN HOOD unites the team who created the critically acclaimed Dick Whittington in 2013, and who also were the first to get an Olivier Award nomination or pantomime for Cinderella in 2007. Set and Costume Design is by Harriet Barsby and Tony Award winner Jenny Tiramani (Best Costume Design 2014) who have created a chic new look to compliment the stage adaptation. The team are consistently delivering first-class pantomimes with their original music, clever designs and directions along with their integrated casting that represent the beautifully diverse and contemporary London we live in.

ROBIN HOOD, the prince of thieves and his band of merry men are on a mission this Christmas! As he robs from the rich and gives to the poor, he's on a quest to save good King Richard and the poor people of StratEastHam by trying to defeat evil Prince John. But who will save the day? Will it be brave and daring ROBIN HOOD? Or will it be the feisty and fearless Maid Marian?

Under the direction of Theatre Royal Stratford East's Artistic Director, Kerry Michael, this magical story is full a whole lot of laughter, energy and surprises along the way, guaranteed to be enjoyed by all generations. Kerry said: "Pantomime is a big part of our annual programming at Theatre Royal Stratford East and I'm thrilled to be working with such a great and creative team, yet again. We pride ourselves on delivering pantomime inclusive to all, which speaks to the people and this year is no exception. For many young people this will be their first experience of the theatre and we aim to make it one they will want to repeat time and time again."

Theatre Royal Stratford East proudly welcomes back pantomime veteran Michael Bertenshaw who hangs up his Dame frock from last year, trading it for a costume fit for royalty - as he takes on the role of Prince John. He is joined by Nadia Albina as the show's leading actress, Marian, with Oliver Wellington taking on the heroic role of Robin. Derek Elroy returns to play the hilarious Dame character, Nurse, he last played the Dame at Theatre Royal Stratford East in 2010's critically acclaimed Red Riding Hood.

Ashley Campbell will play the role of King Richard, Alex Chang as Tuck, Rebecca Deren as Herman, Geraint Rhys Edwards as Red, Ashley Joseph as Titch, and Richard Sumitro as the Sheriff.

IF YOU GO:

ROBIN HOOD will run from Saturday 5 December 2015 - Saturday 23 January 2016. Tickets start from just £5 to £27.50, with concessions available on all performances. To book tickets call the Box Office on 020 8534 0310, visit www.stratfordeast.com or book in person at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN.

Captioned performance: Saturday 19 Dec, 7pm

Audio performance: Saturday 19 Dec, 7pm

Signed performance: Saturday 19 Dec, 2pm

Newham Discount Night: Saturday 29 November. £2.50 tickets available for Newham residents who are first-time bookers (proof of address required. Call 020 8534 0310 to book. Offer not available online).

For more, follow on Facebook: /theatreroyalstratfordeast, or Twitter @stratfordeast #SERobinHood.

This famous producing theatre, located in the heart of London's East End on the edge of the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, prides itself on creating world class work that reflects the concerns, hopes and dreams of its community. A prolific developer of new work, this award-winning theatre attracts artists and audiences often not represented in other venues. Through a continuous loop it inspires and is inspired by its vibrant, young and diverse audience. An important aspect of its work is the development of new musical theatre. The Theatre's vision is to break new ground with musicals that bring contemporary and urban music into the mainstream of British theatre. This has led to the production of a broad spectrum of acclaimed sell-out musicals with its work transferring nationally and internationally. Recent productions include: The Infidel The Musical, Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be (first performed in 1959), the Olivier-nominated Oh What a Lovely War (restaged in 2014 for its 50th anniversary year, with a national tour to follow in 2015), the UK Theatre Award-nominated Glasgow Girls (with National Theatre of Scotland and Citizens Theatre in association with Richard Jordan Productions Ltd, Pachamama Productions and Merrigong Theatre Company (Australia)), Wah! Wah! Girls (with Sadler's Wells and Kneehigh), the Olivier Award winning Pied Piper (with Boy Blue Ents), Britain's Got Bhangra (with Rifco Arts & Warwick Arts Centre), Reasons to be Cheerful (with Graeae Theatre Company and New Wolsey Theatre), Clockwork Orange, Takeaway, Come Dancing (Best Off West End Production - What's On Stage Awards), The Blacks, The Harder They Come (including West End and North American tour), the Olivier nominated The Big Life, Da Boyz and Baiju Bawra. www.stratfordeast.com

Photo Credit: Robert Day