This January, one of Wirral’s most cherished theatrical traditions returns to the Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton. The Chrysanthemums Pantomime Society — affectionately known as The Chrysanths — is back with its 2026 production of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, from 8th–11th January. As ever, expect a large scale production of a professional standard!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FROM THE FLORAL PAVILION WEBSITE
Packed with adventure, comedy, magic and heart, this year’s show promises to be a perfect post-Christmas treat — and fantastic value for money at just £12 per child and £15 per adult. Whether you’re looking for an ideal Christmas present, a family outing or simply a way to beat the January blues, The Chrysanths’ annual panto is a firm local favourite.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FROM THE FLORAL PAVILION WEBSITE
A Classic Tale with a Chrysanths Twist
This year’s story brings together familiar faces, slapstick humour and a wonderfully whimsical retelling of a well-loved tale. Harry and Holly — the young heirs of the Duke and Duchess of Nottingham — are left orphaned after a tragic shipwreck. As the only surviving children of the noble family, they stand to inherit a vast fortune on their eighteenth birthdays. What lies ahead is a thrilling battle for the inheritance!
Featuring a hilarious plot including the Sheriff of Nottingham, his hilariously inept henchmen Swiggit and Scoffit, the Wicked Witch, Maid Marian and of course, Robin Hood & His Merry Men, this panto is a blockbuster hit! As ever, audiences can expect music, laughter, slapstick antics, and magical storytelling, crafted by a company that lives and breathes pantomime.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FROM THE FLORAL PAVILION WEBSITE
A Century-Long Tradition of Laughter
The Chrysanthemums Pantomime Society is a multi-award winning production company celebrating an astonishing 107 years of continuous performances. Incredibly, the group are one of the longest-running pantomime societies in the UK—possibly even the world.
The group’s origins date back to the summer of 1918. Nearing the end of World War I, a group of amateur performers staged an out-of-season pantomime in the garden of a home on Vaughan Road, New Brighton, framed by a stunning backdrop of chrysanthemum flowers — giving the society its distinctive name.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FROM THE FLORAL PAVILION WEBSITE
Multi-Award Winning Panto
Over the decades The Chrysanths have performed across multiple venues, including long-gone local landmarks such as New Brighton Pier, The Tivoli and the Little Theatre in Birkenhead — wning many awards along the way. They’ve even been invited to perform at Portmeirion in North Wales. Their home, however, is now the Floral Pavilion, where generations of families return to their shows year after year.
Many cast members have spent years perfecting the traditions of the genre, and regular audiences love the combination of familiar performers and fresh faces. For scriptwriter and co-producer Graham Leigh, The Chrysanths’ enduring success comes from dedication to the art form itself: “Pantomime is all we do. We don’t do musicals, we don’t do plays — pantomime is what we know.”
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FROM THE FLORAL PAVILION WEBSITE
Book Your Tickets
The Chrysanths’ 2026 production of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood runs from Thursday 8th January to Sunday 11th January at the Floral Pavilion Theatre. Tickets are incredible value and expected to sell quickly as this is one of the most popular annual events on the Wirral calendar, so early booking is strongly advised.
