Meet the cast of Robin Hood and Maid Marian: Samara Rawlins

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

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

I felt very excited when I found out I’d be a part of this production. I haven’t performed in a panto for a couple of years, so it's fabulous that I get to spend my Christmas being on stage, bringing joy to families. 

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

I grew up going to see a panto every year, like a lot of families do. And for most children, panto is their first experience of theatre. It's incredible to be a part of pantomimes now as a performer. I love being able to bring all the excitement, chaos and silliness panto has to offer to families and children like I experienced when I was a child.

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

I pretty much know the same old story of the man who stole from the rich to give to the poor. I do have a favourite version of Robin Hood from when I was a kid. The BBC made a TV series of Robin Hood in the early 2000s that I can remember. I loved watching every weekend. 

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

The biggest thing I can hope audiences take away from Robin Hood and Maid Marian this Christmas is that they have lots of fun with whoever they attend with. Panto is for all, and it’s a joy to escape to 'Pantoland' for a couple of hours.

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

I’ve never visited Newbury, so it will be exciting to go somewhere new in the UK. It will be great to explore what Newbury has to offer - I love going to new towns' Christmas markets.

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

I adore The Muppets Christmas Carol. It’s my favourite Christmas film and I’m a big kid at heart. So, to live inside the world of Charles Dickens and The Muppets, I couldn’t think of anything better.

What’s top on your wish list this year?

Top of my wish list this year is a new car!

What’s your favourite karaoke song?

My favourite karaoke song is Mamma Mia - who doesn’t love a bit of ABBA?

Do you have any Christmas traditions? 

I still see a panto every year with my family, it’s something we’ve never stopped doing together year after year without fail.

We see you are no stranger to the world of Robin Hood. How will you bring a fresh take to playing Maid Marian? 

Yes, I have already visited the world of Robin Hood once before in my career with Exeter Norcott’s production back in 2022. As I have previously played Marian before, I look forward to working on this production with a whole new creative team and script. The biggest thing that will help me to bring a fresh new take on playing Marian again is working with a new, incredible cast of actors. This will allow me to mould my Marian, who I know so well, to fit with how the rest of the cast are portraying the other iconic characters within Robin's world. 

How does preparing for a pantomime differ from other roles you have played? 

Over the last couple of years, I’ve done most jobs as a singer. So, preparing to go back to panto, it’s great to get back into bringing a script to life and creating the larger than life characters that pantomimes need. 

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

I’d probably still take inspiration from Robin and give it to those most in need, like charities.

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