Birmingham Hippodrome and pantomime producer Crossroads Pantomimes have announced that Gok Wan, Faye Tozer, Matt Cardle and Sandra Marvin will join Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack in this year’s pantomime, Robin Hood.

The all-star cast will also feature returning Dame Andrew Ryan and pantomime legend Christopher Biggins, who will guest star as King Richard.

Gok Wan will be playing Gok Scarlet in this year’s production. He rose to fame with Channel 4’s How To Look Good Naked and went on to present a string of hit series including Gok’s Fashion Fix and Say Yes to the Dress. He made his pantomime debut at Birmingham Hippodrome, which was the focus of the Channel 4 documentary Gok Does Panto. Also an author, chef and DJ, Gok currently presents on Magic FM Breakfast alongside Harriet Scott and regularly appears as a fashion expert on ITV1’s This Morning.

Popstar and musical theatre star Faye Tozer, best-known as part of Steps, will star as Maid Marion. Alongside her chart-topping success, she’s appeared in Tell Me on a Sunday, Singin’ in the Rain at Sadler’s Wells and reached the Strictly Come Dancing final in 2018.

Matt Cardle, winner of The X Factor in 2010, will make his pantomime debut as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Since topping the charts with his debut single and selling over two million records, Matt has continued a successful music career and earned acclaim on the West End stage in Memphis and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Also announced today is returning Dame and Birmingham panto favourite, Andrew Ryan, who will be starring as Henrietta Hood and musical theatre star and Midlands local Sandra Marvin who will star as The Spirit of Sherwood. A celebrated stage and screen performer, Sandra’s credits include & Juliet, Sister Act, Waitress, ShowBoat, and Chicago, as well as roles in Emmerdale and Call the Midwife.

Panto royalty Christopher Biggins will make a special appearance as King Richard. With over 45 years in pantomime, Biggins is a beloved star of stage and screen, known for Porridge, I, Claudius, Surprise, Surprise and winning I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2007.

The cast announced today join previously announced Matt Slack, who has established himself as one of the country’s leading pantomime comics. Matt returns to Birmingham Hippodrome as the title role for his 12th consecutive year, with Robin Hood marking his 23rd pantomime.

With stunning scenery and dazzling costumes direct from The London Palladium, Robin Hood promises all the ingredients of a perfect pantomime: laugh-out-loud comedy, bundles of audience participation, astonishing special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for the whole family to enjoy.

Packed with action, adventure, and a generous dose of glitz and glamour, Robin Hood is the ultimate sheriff-busting pantomime extravaganza. Don’t miss out - book your tickets now!

Robin Hood will play at Birmingham Hippodrome, from Saturday 20 December – Sunday 1 February 2026. Tickets are available from birminghamhippodrome.com