Meet the cast of Robin Hood and Maid Marian: Jenny Perry

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, we chatted with Jenny Perry, playing Fairy Ferne-A-Dale, in an exclusive interview...

We can’t wait to have you back! Are you looking forward to returning to Newburyshire for this year’s #NewburyPanto?

So much! I had such a blast last time and I’m so excited to be back at the Corn Exchange. And it’ll be fun to go from the Wicked Witch to Fairy Ferne-A-Dale!

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

Thrilled! It’s a Panto subject I’ve not done before so I was looking forward to a new story and I knew Plested, Brown and Wilsher would do a great job with it.

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

Panto is so many people’s first experience of theatre and also one of the few proper family-friendly activities - from the little ones up to the grandparents. So it's great to be a part of that and create lovely memories for the audience.

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

I have always loved the Disney version (which may explain my love of foxes!), but also the absolute classic version, Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

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

Their rubbish. Oh, metaphorically! Hopefully, they leave with some festive joy and humming some of the toe-tapping songs we have this year.

What kind of magic can we expect from Fairy Ferne-A-Dale?

She’s a woodland wonder woman! Unfortunately, sometimes she’s ‘away with the fairies’ if you catch my drift! So her magic doesn’t always go to plan. But she has help from her feathery friend - Red the Robin.

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

I’ve already enjoyed the fabulous event that was the Christmas light switch-on, so I’m looking forward to all the great events Newbury has over Christmas! Oh, and the mulled wine.

Do you have a favourite place in Newburyshire?

Ye Olde Wetherspoons. Also, shout out to the Newbury Chiropractic Centre - they have magic hands and are a lifesaver during a heavy panto run.

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

The Nightmare Before Christmas.

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

I love wildlife photography, so if Santa wanted to bring me a nice new zoom lens, I’d be thrilled.

What’s your favourite karaoke song?

Proud Mary - Tina Turner. Get the crowd up and dancing!

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

Listening to Driving Home for Christmas five times in a row as I head home for Christmas. And eating an entire turkey leg to myself.

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