Exeter Northcott Theatre and Le Navet Bete announce full cast for Christmas panto adventure Robin Hood

Exeter Northcott Theatre and Le Navet Bete announce today the full cast for their new family Christmas pantomime Robin Hood, which runs at the Northcott Theatre from 9 December 2022 until 7 January 2023.

Matthew Heywood (Peter Pan, Octagon Theatre) takes on the role of the titular outlaw, with Samara Rawlins (Aladdin, Trinity Arts Centre) as Marian; Al Dunn (Le Navet Bete, A Christmas Carol) in dual roles as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham and King Richard; Jodie Micciché (Alice in Wonderland, Folksy Theatre) as Morgana; Matthew Freeman (Le Navet Bete, A Christmas Carol) as Nanny Fanny; Nick Bunt (Le Navet Bete, A Christmas Carol) as Merlin; Victoria Boyce (In The Willows, Metta Theatre) as Bluebell; Yñaqui Tuason-Inocian (Jonny Feathers the Rock and Roll Pigeon, The Park Theatre) and newcomer Molly Cheesley play ensemble roles.

Showcasing swashbuckling adventure, stunning costumes and sets as well as spectacular song and dance – with Exeter’s very own merry men Le Navet Bete throwing their hilarious hijinks into the fray – Robin Hood builds on the Northcott’s long history of staging large-scale professional pantomimes.

The action-packed production also expands on the close relationship between the Northcott and Le Navet Bete. Le Navet Bete have previously performed their highly acclaimed productions A Christmas Carol and Treasure Island at the Northcott, but Robin Hood is the first time that the companies have creatively collaborated on a brand-new show.

The Northcott’s Artistic Director Daniel Buckroyd is directing Robin Hood, working closely with Le Navet Bete on the story and script, and the pantomime is produced by the Northcott’s creative team.

Daniel said: “We’re very excited to work with Jodie, Matthew, Molly, Samara, Victoria, Yñaqui and our friends Le Navet Bete. They all bring so much heart and humour to our fun new take on this classic tale. Going to the Northcott has become a Christmas tradition for families across Devon and I’ve no doubt they’ll be laughing and talking about this production for years to come.”

Robin Hood is also part of the Northcott’s Pay It Forward campaign, through which the theatre works with local charities and organisations to gift free tickets to young people and families who would not otherwise be able to go. So far, the Northcott has gifted 200 Robin Hood tickets through charities The Helen Foundation and Young Devon, and the theatre hopes to gift 500 tickets total by Christmas.

Robin Hood runs at the Northcott from 9 December 2022 until 7 January 2023 and is suitable for ages 5+. Tickets are available from £18 via www.exeternorthcott.co.uk or the Northcott Box Office on 01392 72 63 63.