Robin Hood – Design a Dame Competition
Aged 4 – 18? Got a brilliant idea for Nanny Molly Coddle’s showstopping finale frock? You could design the biggest, flashiest costume in this year’s panto, and the winning design will be professionally made and worn in Robin Hood this Christmas!
Pictured here is an example from our production of Jack and the Beanstalk, designed by last year’s winner, Farzin Shahid.
What is a Dame?
The Dame is one of pantomime’s most iconic characters. Traditionally played by a man in an exaggerated women’s costume, she’s bold, hilarious, warm-hearted, and full of mischief.
In Robin Hood, Nanny Molly Coddle is Maid Marian’s nanny. She’s hardworking, practical, and bursting with character, and she is never underdressed.
Your Design Brief
The big finale is the scene at the end of the show when each character takes a bow. This is the biggest flashiest costume of the show.
We’re looking for designs that:
- Go big on imagination, creativity and character – but make sure it could really be made and worn.
- Feature amazing colours, patterns, textures or sparkles.
- Include finishing touches like accessories.
Don’t forget a wig, hat, or headpiece to complete the look.
Download a design template here
How to Enter
You can use our printable template or create your own design from scratch.
Competition closes: 9am on Friday 7 August 2026
We’ll contact the winner via email on w/c 17 August
Age Limit: Open to anyone aged 4 to 18
Submit your design by: Email: competitions@queens-theatre.co.uk (subject: Design a Dame Entry) or drop it off at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Box Office.
Please write in the email, or on the back of your design: Your child’s name and age, parent/guardian name and contact (email and phone) details.
The Prize
• The winning design will be worn on stage this Christmas in Robin Hood.
• The winner will be invited to visit the theatre for a behind-the-scenes experience – this could include watching the costume being made or attending a fitting.
• 4 tickets to the show on the Opening Night celebration (Sat 21 Nov), and a special panto goodie bag filled with treats.
Design a Dame Competition – Terms & Conditions
Organised by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (QTH)
Last updated: June 2025
1. Overview
The Design a Dame Competition invites young people to submit an original costume design for Nanny Molly Coddle, a central character in QTH’s 2026 pantomime Robin Hood. By entering, you agree to abide by the terms below.
2. Eligibility
– Open to UK residents aged up to 18 years as of Friday 3 July 2026.
– Only one entry per person is permitted.
– Parental or guardian consent is required for all entrants under 18.
– QTH staff and immediate family are not eligible to win.
– AI created entries will not be accepted
3. How to Enter
Use the official Design a Dame template (available online or at QTH Box Office) or create your own original design.
Submit by Friday 7 August 2026 9am, via:
– Email: competitions@queens-theatre.co.uk (subject: Design a Dame Entry)
– In person: Drop off at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Box Office
All entries must include:
– Child’s full name and age
– Parent/guardian’s name
– Parent/guardian’s contact details (email or phone)
– Optional: A short description of your design
4. Design Brief
The design is for Nanny Molly Coddle to wear in the final scene of the panto.
We’re looking for designs that:
- Go big on imagination, creativity and character – but make sure it could really be made and worn.
- Feature amazing colours, patterns, textures or sparkles.
- Include finishing touches like accessories.
5. Judging & Tie-Breaks
Entries will be judged by the QTH production team, including the pantomime’s professional costume designer.
Judged on:
– Creativity and originality
– Practicality and stage suitability
– In the event of a tie, a shortlisting round or additional judging may take place.
– The judging panel’s decision is final.
6. The Prize
The prize includes:
– The winning design will be professionally created and worn on stage by Nanny Molly Coddle.
– The winner will be invited for a behind-the-scenes experience (e.g., costume build or fitting).
– 4 tickets to the Press Night performance of Robin Hood on Sat 21 Nov, at 6.30p
– A free drink and ice cream each on the night
– A special panto-themed goody bag
There is no cash alternative and the prize is non-transferable.
7. Use of Entries & Publicity
– By submitting a design, you:
– Retain copyright of your design
– Grant QTH rights to display your design in:
– Theatre foyer gallery
– Digital screens in the building
– QTH social media
– Marketing/publicity materials
– Selected entries may be shared with first name and age unless opted out.
– Images of your entries (anonymised) may appear on social media, our website, digital screens and any potential exhibitions in QTH
8. Media Consent
– Unless stated otherwise, QTH may share your child’s design, first name, and age.
– To opt out, write: “Do not publish my child’s name or image” in your email or on your entry.
9. Privacy & Data
– Entries and personal data will be handled in accordance with QTH’s Privacy Policy: www.queens-theatre.co.uk/privacy-policy
– Entries will be stored securely and not shared with third parties.
10. General
– QTH reserves the right to amend or cancel the competition at any time.
– Entry confirms acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
– For questions or more information, please contact competitions@queens-theatre.co.uk.
