Robin Hood | New Wimbledon Theatre

Robin Hood has landed at the New Wimbledon Theatre, oh yes it has. With dance legends Diversity, magical sensation Pete Firman and West End superstar Lauren Hampton, it’s a laugh a minute, guaranteed. Robin Hood and his Merry Men have to stop the Sheriff of Nottingham and his evil schemes with the help of Maid Marion, Will Scarlet and the spirit of Sherwood. 

No stranger to Crossroads Pantomimes, Ed Curtis takes on directing the production giving a fun, modern twist on the classic fairytale. With choreography from Matt Cole, who won an Olivier award for his choreography on the UK premiere of Newsies ensures that the choreography is fresh and upbeat to watch. 

Teresa Nalton, as costume designer, creates beautiful brightly coloured outfits for everyone in the cast. Maid Marion’s act two costume in particular mixes vivid blues and pinks creating a unique look. 

Lauren Hampton as Maid Marion steals the show with her beautifully energetic voice, opening both acts by belting out a song. She plays Marion sweet and soft yet also brave and shows her as a true leader. Ashley Banjo leads the production as Robin Hood, the outlaw who lives in Sherwood Forest stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Banjo is powerful as Robin, commanding the stage with ease and poise during his scenes. It goes without saying that Banjo is a phenomenal dancer leaving the whole room in a thunder of applause. 

Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo are comedy geniuses, whether they mean to be or not. They steal the show with their one liners and improvised moments. With any pantomime there are some ad-libs and off script giggles, which both the Banjo brothers and Kiely thrive on.

Diversity put on an incredible performance ans are absolutely the highlight of the pantomime. They act as Robin Hood’s Merry Men. Every number they perform is a spectacle in true Diversity form, with flips and tricks for days, the whole team had the whole audience in floods of applause. 

Steve Arnott is the Sheriff of Nottingham. Dastardly mean with a swishy cape, Arnott has everything a pantomime villain needs. Arnott is pantomime royalty, he’s been all over the country playing countless roles and has it down to a science now. Comedian and Magician Pete Firman takes to the Wimbledon stage again as Will Scarlet. He’s funny and witty, charming the audience with his magic tricks, especially those in the front row who he’ll return to a few times during the show.  

As great as Diversity’s performances were, it feels slightly out of place favouring the dance over any story or set. It also feels like there are less singing numbers than a typical pantomime, yet the main draw for the panto is Diversity so it does make sense. As per many Diversity performances, the use of flashing lights may have some audiences struggling to watch the dance numbers. If it’s something of concern a relaxed performance will be held on the 2nd of January with no strobing lights.

Pantomimes are fun for the whole family, with crude humour that goes over the kids heads and enough wow factor to keep everyone engaged. It’s a great night, especially with the wonderful cast the New Wimbledon Theatre has this year. 

Robin Hood plays at New Wimbledon Theatre until 04th January 2026.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Paul Coltas