First look at Julian Clary and Jane McDonald in London Palladium's Robin Hood

Julian Clary and Jane McDonald pose with the cast of Robin Hood, this year’s pantomime the London Palladium (Handout)
Julian Clary and Jane McDonald pose with the cast of Robin Hood, this year’s pantomime the London Palladium (Handout)

Julian Clary and Jane McDonald have been pictured for the first time as their characters in pantomime Robin Hood, which is set to open at the London Palladium in December.

Clary and McDonald, who play the titular character and Maid Marion respectively, are front and centre as they pose alongside fellow cast members Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Marisha Wallace, Charlie Stemp, Rob Madge and Tosh Wanogho-Maud.

Directed by Michael Harrison, the costumes for this year’s festive production have been designed by Hugh Durrant, in consultation with Clary.

Comedian and actor Clary is no stranger to panto at the Palladium - this will be his ninth time! (Oh, yes, it will!)

Speaking about his latest time treading the boards of the iconic west end venue, he said: “As you can see I’m playing the challenging role of Robin Hood this year. He’s a rough, tough hot-blooded man and he’s got the hots for Jane McDonald. So – think Tom Hardy with a touch of raspberry lip balm.”

Meanwhile, Loose Women panelist and singer McDonald - who will be making her Palladium panto debut - added: “I am thrilled to be making my debut in the iconic London Palladium panto, one of the highlights of the theatrical year. Julian and I are already falling in love off-stage, and we can't wait to bring this to Maid Marion and Robin Hood come Christmas!"

Last year’s panto was Peter Pan starring Jennifer Saunders alongside Clary, which sold out its entire run, playing to over 123,000 people and was awarded four stars by the Standard.

Robin Hood at the London Palladium is set to run from 7 December 2024 until 12 January 2025. Visit www.palladiumpantomime.com for more details.