We’re absolutely delighted to announce the full cast for our new family Christmas pantomime Robin Hood, which runs at our theatre from 9 Dec 2022 until 7 Jan 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 our long history of staging large-scale professional pantomimes.
The action-packed production also expands on our close relationship with Le Navet Bete. Le Navet Bete have previously performed their highly acclaimed productions A Christmas Carol and Treasure Island at our theatre, but Robin Hood is the first time that we have creatively collabroated with them on a brand-new show.
Our 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 our creative team.
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.
Daniel Buckroyd, Artistic Director of Exeter Northcott Theatre
Robin Hood is also part of our Pay It Forward campaign, through which we work with local charities and organisations to gift free tickets to young people and families who would not otherwise be able to go. So far, we’ve gifted 200 Robin Hood tickets through charities The Helen Foundation and Young Devon, and we hope to gift 500 total by Christmas.
Cast
(in alphabetical order, last name)
Victoria Boyce
as Bluebell
Victoria recently worked on an R&D with Ice and Fire. Last Christmas she worked with Goblin Theatre performing ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Painted Hall. She has previously worked with them on several occasions performing in other venues such as the Royal Albert Hall. She graduated from Central School of Speech and Drama in 2017.
Theatre credits: Metta Theatre’s no 1 Tour of ‘In The Willows’ where Victoria played the lead role of ‘Mole’ alongside Clive Rowe. She has also toured with West End in Schools performing ‘Dick Whittington’.
Favourite panto trope: “I love the slapstick comedy especially if it involves shaving cream… is that a trope?!”
Nick Bunt
as Merlin
Nick has been co-artistic director and performer with physical comedy company Le Navet Bete since 2008. Having been born and grown up in Australia he has always loved acting and writing comedy and has performed in some of the most widely respected venues all over the UK and internationally. When not performing Nick is a keen pianist and loves to travel.
Molly Cheesley
Ensemble
Training: Molly is a 2022 graduate of the London School of Musical Theatre. Prior to this she attended Royal Holloway, University of London where she gained a first class degree in Music and Drama.
Credits whilst training: Actor Musician in Children of Eden
Molly currently sings in multiple London venues, and is thrilled to be making her professional theatre debut at the Northcott.
Favourite panto trope: “Oh no it isn’t… oh yes it is!“
Al Dunn
as the Sheriff of Nottingham & King Richard
Al is one of the founding members of Le Navet Bete and still performs with the company in their various shows, particular favourite roles have been Long John Silver in Treasure Island and The Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol. In his spare time Al is a keen pizzaiolo (pizza chef) cooking away in his wood fire oven.
Matthew Freeman
as Nanny Fanny
Matt has been with Le Navet Bete since the beginning.
Matt has always had a passion for comedy and is hugely proud of the extensive back catalogue of work that Le Navet Bete have written and produced over the years, a particular career high was the publication and international licensing of Dracula: The Bloody Truth. He has always loved to dress up in women’s clothing and the roles he takes on within Le Navet Bete work clearly displays this. When he is not making the masses fall apart with laughter he is growing organic vegetables on his allotment.
Matthew Heywood
as Robin Hood
Theatre credits: The Book Thief, Peter Pan, Beryl, Seagulls, One Man Two Guvnors [Temporary Cover] (Octagon Theatre); ZORRO (Charing Cross Theatre, 2022); FIB (Kimbo Theatre); ZORRO (Hope Mill Theatre, 2019); The Hole (Birmingham Old Rep/NYT); Magda’s a Dancer (MIF).
Credits while in training: The Break of Day, The Man of Mode, Twelfth Night, Time and the Conways, Ruffian on the Stair, Edward II.
Favourite panto trope: “There’s nothing that comes close to the relationship the actors have with Panto audiences. The audience are pretty much guarantee’d a “He’s behind you” or a “Oh no it’s not” and the actor’s can bet that the audience will be ready for them when they arrive.”
Jodie Micciché
as Morgana
Theatre credits: Alice in Wonderland (Folksy Theatre), Great Expectations (The Pataloons), The Little Match Girl (Folksy Theatre), The Tempest (Folksy Theatre), Twelfth Night (The Pantaloons), Sleeping Beauty (Wisecracker/Rhodes Arts Complex), Pinocchio (Torch Theatre).
Jodie graduated from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with an MA in Musical Theatre, and from LIPA with a BA in Acting.
Favourite panto trope: “I really enjoy a baddy in a pantomime! They often have the moodiest and coolest songs and their costumes are always sassy! And who doesn’t love a loud boo?! Obviously a bit of “oh no it isn’t” is a classic too and I love it when people who have never been to a panto before get stuck in and shout out with everyone else.”
Samara Rawlins
as Marian
Theatre credits: Ensemble in The Jerry Herman Show (Union Theatre); Little Inez in Hairspray (Symphony Of The Seas/Royal Caribbean Cruise Line); Princess Jasmine in Aladdin (Trinity Arts Centre); Featured Ensemble in Roles We’ll Never Play (Lyric Theatre)
Favourite panto trope: “Pantos are all about being fun for all the family. So, my favourite pantomime trope is audience participation. It gets everyone involved and fully immersed into all the fun panto has to offer.”
Yñaqui Tuason-Inocian
Ensemble
Yñaqui’s most recent role was Jonny Feathers in Jonny Feathers, The Rock and Roll Pigeon at The Park Theatre in London.
Other theatre credits: Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Gonzalo in The Tempest, Adi in Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading and The Easter Bunny in Who Framed The Easter Bunny.
Favourite panto trope: “I’m cheeky and have two favourite pantomime tropes: the first is all the amazing and colourful dresses that the Dame gets to wear, and the second is free sweets! (Yummy!).”
