Gok Wan, Faye Tozer, Matt Cardle and Sandra Marvin will join Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack and panto legend, Christopher Biggins in this year’s Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime.

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.

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 and Waitress.

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 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.

Robin Hood is staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, led by Michael Harrison and the team behind recent Birmingham Hippodrome Christmas successes including last year’s production of Peter Pan.

Michael Harrison, Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes said: “I’m thrilled to be bringing such an exceptional line-up to Birmingham this Christmas.

With returning favourites and some exciting new faces, the cast announced today represent the very best in pantomime, comedy, and musical theatre. Audiences can expect a panto filled with laughter and festive magic this Christmas at Birmingham Hippodrome.”

Jon Gilchrist, Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We’re so excited to welcome Gok Wan, Faye Tozer, Matt Cardle, Sandra Marvin and Christopher Biggins to our pantomime family this December for Robin Hood.

"They’ll be joining Birmingham panto favourites Matt Slack and Andrew Ryan in what I’m sure will be a show to remember for West Midlands audiences this festive season.”

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.

Robin Hood will play at Birmingham Hippodrome from 20th December to 1st February 2026. Tickets are available from birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0121 689 3000.