Meet the cast of Robin Hood and Maid Marian: Harry Sweetman

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, we chatted with Harry Sweetman, playing Robin Hood, in an exclusive interview...

How did you feel when you found out you’d be part of Robin Hood and Maid Marian?  

I was over the moon when I found out I had been cast in Robin Hood and Maid Marian. I had been super fortunate to perform in the Newbury Spring Festival in the summer, so to be able to come back for the Christmas period and perform with so many talented people, I was absolutely thrilled! 
 

Panto season is such a big tradition - what does performing in a pantomime mean to you?  

My family and I go to our local pantomime every year - you just can’t beat the feeling! Pantomime was also the first show outside of school that I ever performed in. It’s where my love for performing began, so for my first professional contract out of drama school to be Panto, feels like a full circle moment.
 

How familiar are you with the Robin Hood legend? Do you have a favourite version or memory of the story?  

I am very familiar with Robin Hood, I actually used to dress up as him as a kid! My favourite version of Robin Hood is the 1973 Disney version (the fox one!) It’s the one film I could watch forever.
 

What do you hope audiences will take away from Robin Hood and Maid Marian this Christmas?

From the Panto, I hope the Newbury audience takes away a lasting feeling of Christmas joy and laughter that will carry them through the festive season.
 

What are you most looking forward to about being in Newbury over the festive period?  

Newbury is such a beautiful place all year round, but especially at Christmas. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the Festival of Light this year!
 

If you could live inside the world of any Christmas film, what would it be?  

That’s such a hard question! I’m stuck between two. First, Love Actually, just for the whole vibe of the movie, and then Elf, to try Buddy’s spaghetti bowl!
 

What’s the top on your wish list this year?  

The top of my Christmas wish list is to not fall over on stage… and also a new pair of socks - so we’ll see what Santa brings, maybe both!
 

What’s your favourite karaoke song?  

I’m secretly a huge Robbie Williams fan, so it would have to be 'Rock DJ'.
 

Do you have any Christmas traditions?  

My family and I bake cookies and cakes to share with our neighbours! The whole street joins in, so it’s a really nice way for us all to come together and wish everyone a happy Christmas.
 

What kind of energy or personality are you hoping to bring to your role?  

For the role of Robin Hood, I’m hoping to bring his charm and charisma to life on stage. I’m hoping to give a little mixture of Prince Charming from Shrek, plus Fiyero from Wicked.
 

Do you have a favourite hero that you draw on for inspiration?  

I get a lot of inspiration from Flynn Rider from Tangled! I reckon him and Robin would make a brilliant bandit double act!
 

If it were acceptable to rob money like Robin Hood, what would you do with the money?  

I’d go out and treat myself to the snazziest guitar I could find! 

Robin Hood and Maid Marian runs from Friday 28 November 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026. Find out more and book your tickets here.