On Stage: ‘Robin Hood: A Very Merry Family Musical’

With fall in the air and the holidays peeking around the corner, Canadian Stage is thrilled to unveil complete casting and creative team details for their sophomore presentation of Toronto’s beloved holiday Panto, Robin Hood: A Very Merry Family Musical.

The Panto Tradition

The Toronto holiday Panto legacy was famously launched in 1996 by Ross Petty with a production of Robin Hood in which he starred alongside his wife, the illustrious global ballet star Karen Kain. Turning the British holiday hallmark into a homegrown hit, Petty produced the raucously over-the-top show every year following; even offering virtual editions in 2020 and 2021. The Panto as produced by Ross Petty Productions returned live in 2022, then in 2024 the campy Panto baton was passed to Canadian Stage to continue.

After last year’s acclaimed comeback with The Wizard of Oz, Canadian Stage continues with the next chapter of a centuries-old holiday Panto tradition. Originating in the UK, pantomime is a beloved theatrical style that takes a familiar fairy tale or children’s story and transforms it into a laugh-out-loud, music-filled romp, equally hilarious for parents as for the kids. The Panto invites audiences to sing along to pop hits, boo the baddies, and cheer on the heroes. It is always so much fun!

L-R: Julius Sermonia, Kyle Brown, Eddie Glen, Sierra Holder, Jean-Paul Parker, Praneet Akilla, Julia Pulo, Malinda Carroll, Jordan Bell, Daniel Williston, Damien Atkins, Cara Hunter

Robin Hood Returns

For 2025, the legendary story of the outlaw who steals from the rich to give to the poor, takes on a bold twist. Robin is a spirited, savvy heroine leading her merry band of misfits in a fight for justice and kindness. invites audiences to journey through the lush forests of High Park, go head-to-head with the greedy Prince John, and rescue those in need – all with a hearty dose of laughter, pop hits, and a steady stream of Easter eggs.

Meet The Heroine

Julia Pulo returns for the second time in the annual holiday Pantomime in the titular role of Robin Hood to continue the beloved Ross Petty Panto tradition. Additional theatre: Hannah/Alice in Life After (Mirvish), Anne Boleyn in SIX (Citadel/Mirvish), Ensemble/Anna in Frozen (Citadel), among others.

Here Julia speaks about her role and preparations for the show. Previous credits with CanStage: Dorothy in Ross Petty’s Wizard of Oz.

Robin Hood: A Very Merry Family Musical arrives at the historic Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre from November 26 to January 4 just in time to celebrate the holiday season.

For performance schedule, additional details and tickets, please visit canadianstage.com.

All production photos by Dahlia Katz.