Cast revealed for 2026 Lancaster 'Play in the Park'

The cast members have been revealed for Robin Hood - this year's promenade outdoor play in Williamson Park by The Dukes theatre.

This summer’s outdoor adventure will see audiences journey through the park alongside the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and his band of rebels in a thrilling production packed with music, mischief and mayhem.

Leading the company in the title role of Robin Hood is Joe Parker, whose theatre credits include Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and Northanger Abbey. His television work includes The Baby (Sky/HBO), Hollyoaks and Doctors.

Playing the Sheriff is Ian Crowe, whose recent theatre credits include A Christmas Carol for Eastern Angles, Robin Hood at Oldham Coliseum and Alice In Wonderland at Kew Gardens. His screen work includes the feature film Daisies in December opposite Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons.

Returning to the Park Show following last summer’s The Wizard of Oz is Lisa Howard, who takes on the role of Friar Tuck. Lisa is a familiar face to Dukes audiences, appearing in her eighth Park Show season. Her extensive theatre career include Ladies That Bus and Ladies That Dig here at The Dukes, other collaborations includes Leeds Playhouse, Hull Truck, Northern Broadsides and York Theatre Royal, while television credits include Coronation Street, Heartbeat and Where the Heart Is.

Also returning after appearing as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz last year is Hope Yolanda, who will play Marian. Her recent theatre credits include Private Lives and Taming of the “Shrew” for HER Productions and Fire Raisers for We Merry Dancers.

Eve Pereira, who appeared as Alice in Alice in Wonderland in 2024, joins the company as Jen. A graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Eve’s theatre credits include Pride and Prejudice for Bolton Octagon, Theatr Clwyd, Hull Truck, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Theatre By The Lake, alongside The Snow Queen and A Little Princess.

Matthew Ganley, who also appeared in last year’s The Wizard of Oz as the Wizard of Oz, will play Lord Foppingham. Matthew’s extensive stage career includes Little Shop of Horrors, One Man Two Guvnors, Around the World in 80 Days and Once The Musical in the West End. Television credits include Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Waterloo Road and Accused.

Robin Hood continues The Dukes’ long-running tradition of spectacular open-air theatre and promises a bold new take on the classic tale for audiences of all ages.

Tickets are available at https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/robin-hood or by contacting the Dukes Theatre box office at 01524 598 500.