Oldham Coliseum Theatre is starting rehearsals for its pantomime production Robin Hood.

The Coliseum’s annual pantomime is watched by more than 35,000 people each year.

Shorelle Hepkins is set to play the titular role of Robin Hood.

Joining the Coliseum’s pantomime company in 2017’s Dick Whittington as Principal Girl, Shorelle’s most recent role was as Aladdin in 2021, in which she was nominated for a UK Pantomime Association Award.

Liz Carney plays The Sheriff – she has previously played the evil Aunty Banazar in 2021’s Aladdin.

Her non-pantomime Coliseum credits include Our Gracie, Blithe Spirit, and Satin ‘n’ Steel. Stepping into the Pantomime Dame role is Charlie Ryan as Nurse Nellie.

Charlie was last seen on the Coliseum stage in a triumphant performance in 2022’s Beryl, in which he played a multitude of characters.

Charlie has previously performed in pantomimes Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and Maid Marian and the Merry Men in Worcester.

Fresh from the Coliseum’s September 2022 production of Road, William Travis returns with a very different role as Friar Tuck.

Known for his role in Channel 4’s This is England, William has also previously appeared in the Coliseum’s productions of The Kitchen Sink and Hard Times.

No stranger to Oldham, Sophie Ellicott joins the company playing Ellen A Dale.

Sophie’s previous credits include Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit with Old Laundry Theatre, Aladdin and Cinderella at Cast, Doncaster, and Candyfloss at HOME Manchester as part of PUSH Festival.

Making their Coliseum debuts in 2022 are Nathan Morris as Failsworth, Ian Crowe as Sir Guy of Gisbourne and Sarah Pearson as Maid Marian.

Young people from Oldham will once again perform alongside the theatre’s professional actors, with three pairs of young actors playing the Babes in the Wood and the return of the pantomime’s chorus of young dancers.

Last year’s pantomime, Aladdin, won the UK Pantomime Association Award for Best Costume Design, with designer Celia Perkins also up for Best Set Design and Shorelle Hepkin nominated for Best Principal Boy.

The Coliseum last presented a pantomime of Robin Hood in 2004, then starring national pantomime legend Eric Potts as the Dame.

Robin Hood runs from November 12 to January 7.

This year’s pantomime is sponsored by George Hill Timber and Building Supplies, N Brown Group, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers and Tax Strategies Ltd.

Robin Hood’s educational partner is Oldham Hulme Grammar School.