Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes has unveiled the much-anticipated details for The London Palladium Pantomime’s ninth production, promising audiences a thrilling return to the enchanting world of pantomime with a fresh rendition of the timeless tale, Robin Hood.
Scheduled to grace the illustrious stage of the West End’s London Palladium from December 7, 2024, to January 12, 2025, this latest installment of the beloved tradition boasts an all-star cast and a creative team renowned for delivering unparalleled entertainment.
Leading the cast is none other than national treasure Jane McDonald, who takes on the role of Maid Marion, alongside Palladium panto royalty Julian Clary, captivating audiences as the titular hero, Robin Hood. Joining them are favorites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp, and Rob Madge, along with West End sensations Marisha Wallace and Tosh Wanogho-Maud, making their Palladium panto debuts. With such an ensemble, audiences can expect performances that sparkle with charm and charisma.
Since its inception, The London Palladium Pantomime has consistently dazzled audiences with its captivating performances and extravagant productions. With stalwarts like Clary, Havers, and Zerdin returning to reprise their roles, alongside fan-favorite Stemp and rising stars like Madge, the stage is set for another unforgettable experience.
Jane McDonald, who will be making her Palladium Panto debut in Robin Hood playing Maid Marion, said:
“I am thrilled to be making my debut in the iconic London Palladium panto, one of the highlights of the theatrical year. Julian and I are already falling in love off-stage, and we can’t wait to bring this to Maid Marion and Robin Hood come Christmas!”
Michael Harrison, Producer and Director of all nine London Palladium pantomimes said:
“One of the highlights of my year is bringing together our magnificent London Palladium panto cast and preparing to stage our much-loved Christmas spectacular at London’s home of variety. I’m absolutely thrilled that Robin and Marion, two of the greatest lovers in history will be played by the wonderful Jane McDonald and Palladium royalty Julian Clary. This is a love story like no other bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘Robin Hood’s Camp’.
Alongside announcing today’s cast, planning is well underway to create the spectacle on stage that we know our Palladium Panto audiences have come to expect, including some of the most jaw-dropping special effects ever seen in the West End, giving the Palladium Pantomime a totally new dimension.”
Behind the curtain, a team of seasoned professionals works tirelessly to bring the magic of Sherwood Forest to life. Mark Walters‘ set designs, Hugh Durrant‘s costume creations, and Karen Bruce‘s choreography promise to transport audiences into a world of wonder. Add to this the lighting wizardry of Ben Cracknell, the soundscapes crafted by Gareth Owen, and the musical compositions orchestrated by Gary Hind, and it’s evident that every element of this production is meticulously crafted to enchant and enthrall.
The driving force behind this spectacle is producer and director Michael Harrison, whose impressive portfolio includes a string of West End hits such as Sunset Boulevard, Crazy For You, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Under his guidance, The London Palladium Pantomime continues to reign as a beacon of excellence in the world of theatrical entertainment.
Crossroads Pantomimes, the production company behind this grand affair, holds the distinction of being the world’s biggest pantomime producer. As part of Crossroads Live, a global leader in musical theatre and immersive experiences, they bring decades of expertise and innovation to the stage, ensuring that each production is nothing short of extraordinary.
Priority booking for “Robin Hood” opens on April 25, 2024, with public booking available from April 26, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical journey into the heart of Sherwood Forest.
As the curtains rise on another season of enchantment at The London Palladium, audiences can anticipate a spectacle filled with laughter, adventure, and heartwarming moments. With a cast of seasoned performers, dazzling production values, and the timeless tale of Robin Hood at its core, this promises to be a pantomime extravaganza like no other. So, gather your merry band of friends and family and prepare to be swept away on a thrilling adventure into the heart of Sherwood Forest.
