Meet the cast of Robin Hood and Maid Marian: Sophie McKinnon

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, we chatted with Ensemble member Sophie McKinnon, in an exclusive interview...

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

Absolutely buzzing! Everyone in the team is really lovely, so I know it’s going to be a fun season. I’m especially happy that I’ll be working with my gorgeous friend Miranda Wilford who is choreographing this year. She’s always such an inspiration and fun to be around.

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

Christmas is really special to me personally, as I’m hugely family orientated. To be part of other people’s Christmas and panto experience, and make it magical for them means the world.

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

It’s cliché but I LOVE the Disney version. My best friend and I quote Prince John and Sir Hiss all the time.

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

I want everyone to just have the best time and laugh more than they’ve laughed all year.

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

Meeting new people. I’m a massive people person and the beauty of theatre is that it takes you to different places all the time and you meet people you never would have met otherwise.

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

Got to be The Polar Express! Magical hot chocolate and a trip to the North Pole to see all the elf workshops, reindeer and meet Santa? No question about it.

What’s top on your wish list this year?

A new knife set for my kitchen. I promise I’m not a serial killer!

What’s your favourite karaoke song?

I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Always gets everyone up dancing and singing along.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

I love decorating the tree with my family while drinking a cheeky glass of prosecco, with some Christmas tunes blaring! Gets me right into the Christmas spirit!

Are there any pantomime traditions you are most looking forward to?

As a whole I just absolutely love the atmosphere of pantomime! It has such a unique way of connecting to people. When you can let the audience in on the joke and have good banter with them, the energy is like nothing else. In terms of cast traditions – last year, as a company, we played Traitors (like the TV show) and it was hilarious. It’s become quite a big tradition within panto companies, and helped everyone bond as a team so I hope we can do something like that this year too!

As a Health and Wellness Consultant, do you have any pre-show rituals to help you get into character?

I swear by my nutrition regime. I have high quality supplements I take daily, drink plenty of water and eat whole foods where possible to look after my gut health. Gut health is really connected to how focused, present and energised you feel, which is vital to staying in character and keeping up with the pace of panto!

Is there a specific performance night that you are looking forward to the most?

I think there’s always an especially magical energy on Christmas Eve so I’m excited for that.

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