The Everyman Theatre has unleashed its most triumphant pantomime to date, with Robin Hood and His Merry Men drawing huge cheers from a buzzing Cheltenham crowd when the SoGlos team enjoyed the show during opening week.
Packed with Gloucestershire in-jokes, larger-than-life characters and enough sparkle to light up the county, this fresh approach to the legendary outlaw story marks a seriously impressive premiere for the Everyman Theatre's first time taking on the Robin Hood story.
Leading the charge in Robin Hood and His Merry Men at the Everyman Theatre is none other than Gloucestershire’s beloved clown, Tweedy, returning for a 14th pantomime season and proving once again why he’s the beating heart of the Everyman’s festive season. As Friar Tweedy Tuck, he’s up to his trademark antics once again – tumbling through slapstick chaos, balancing arrows and ribbing the audience with perfectly-timed gags that had families howling from start to finish.
Kevin Brewis, as the outrageous Dame Nursie, delivers one of the most memorable dame performances Gloucestershire has seen. His partnership with Tweedy is pure comedy magic. And the costumes deserve their own standing ovation, too. Designed by Stewart J Charlesworth in his first year with the Everyman’s pantomime creative team, the dazzling outfits are nothing short of spectacular. Sequins, towering wigs, technicolour fabrics and clever visual gags (love the Bullseye outfit with speedboat hat!) turn every entrance into a showstopper, helping cement this year’s Everyman Theatre pantomime as the most visually thrilling yet.
The cast surrounding them is equally impressive. Dan Wilshire’s Robin Hood brings bicep-flexing heroic charm; Jewelle Hutchinson gives Maid Marian sparkle, spirit and sensational vocals; and West End star Lizzie Bea delights as the gloriously villainous Sheriff of Gloucestershire. While Kane Verrall’s Will Scarlett adds limelight-stealing comedic energy to a production that already crackles with it.
What really elevates the show, though, is its brilliant Gloucestershire twist. From Stroud putdowns to Cheltenham name drops involving Cavendish House and council staff, the script feels lovingly-crafted for local audiences, weaving county pride into every punchline. Plus, there's a spectacular 'real' snow shower as a surprise for audiences – particularly those in the first few rows!
Couple that with eye-popping sets, superb musical numbers from a talented ensemble cast and the polished direction of Sam Holmes and Nick Winston and you’ve got the recipe for the Everyman’s best pantomime yet – and that’s saying something, considering last year’s Aladdin drew in more than 45,000 audience members.
Fundraising for its £1 million Grove Street appeal, and on stage until Sunday 11 January 2026, Robin Hood and His Merry Men is everything a modern pantomime should be: warm, witty, joyful, and proudly local. A true bullseye for the Everyman Theatre.
For more information, and to book tickets, see Robin Hood at the Everyman Theatre.
