Shane Richie will lead the cast in this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Robin Hood, at Milton Keynes Theatre.
Swapping the Queen Vic for the Sherwood Forest, Shane will star as the heroic outlaw Robin Hood.
It's a welcome return to these parts for Shane, who has previously delivered the goods on the same stage in shows including Boogie Nights and Not Dead Enough.
His delivery in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest was more than a decade ago now. And it's still a production we look back on fondly.
But we've never had him here for the seasonal show.
"I'm a big fan of pantomime, but it has got to be on the edge," he told Total MK's Sammy Jones.
And he's not busying himself worrying about the easily upset brigade: "I don't think about it. If I did, I'd never leave the house!
"Pantomime is two hours of escapism. If you don't want that, don't come and see it!" he says, politely.
But with tickets moving swiftly already, it seems Milton Keynes is a city that does want its fill of merry men this Christmas, and Shane knows the role well: "This will be my third year doing it, and I've got it down now. I do a whole improvised piece at the start of the show too, which keeps me and the cast on our toes!
"Every show will be different," he promised.
Having established himself as one of the nation’s favourite soap stars, Shane has won numerous awards and millions of fans for his portrayal of Albert Square’s loveable landlord Alfie Moon in EastEnders.
Most recently Shane released his critically-acclaimed album A Country Soul, inspired by his musical heroes and contemporary country sounds.
It hit the top spot in the country music charts.
He re-ignited the flame for writing while sitting around in dressing rooms.
"...and it snowballed. It's an acquired thing," he admits, but a Number One album is pretty special, we think.
"People said 'Oh he's jumping on the bandwagon, but there is no bandwagon here. I'm not a trailblazer, but now Kylie has a country album, Rod Stewart is doing one..."
But come Christmas, it'll be less about the country music and more about stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
Audiences will join the most heroic outlaw of them all as the arrow-shooting hero Robin Hood strives to win the hand of the beautiful Maid Marion while he and his trusty band of Merry Men outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in a show full of action, adventure, music, laughter and audience participation.
Robin Hood will once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer continuing their partnership with Milton Keynes Theatre, following the huge success of last year’s spectacular production of Cinderella which starred Brian Conley and Gok Wan.
Michael Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division said: ‘I’m thrilled that we have managed to secure Shane to star in Robin Hood in Milton Keynes this year.
"He is a true showman who can do it all, and is a true stalwart of pantomime. Hot on the heels of Cinderella last year, which audiences and critics loved, we can’t wait to bring panto back to Milton Keynes for the 2018 season."
Robin Hood replaces the previously announced Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with the performance dates and times remaining unchanged - the curtain rises on Saturday, December 8.
Grab your merry men and women and don’t miss the ultimate sheriff-busting, arrow-shooting, tights-wearing pantomime extravaganza!
To book tickets for the festive treat click here
Never miss leisure news in Milton Keynes - Follow us on www.twitter.com/thisistotalmk
And on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thisistotalmk
