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.
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 press night. A special panto goodie bag filled with treats.
Suitable for everyone whatever your age or health condition. The class is seated and standing with chair options offered throughout.
Learn simple breathing techniques, hand exercises and tapping practices to reduce tension, anxiety and brain fog, improve sleep and promote good mental health and general wellbeing.
Participants can bring a yoga mat if they have one. New starters please arrive 10 mins early.
After 20,000 people watched the show live on stage across the region, our critically acclaimed production of Caroline: A New Musical is coming to your screens!
Whether you saw the show on stage and want to see it again, or didn’t manage to catch it on tour, we’re making sure that nobody has to miss out.
Exclusively for those living in the East of England, you can book an on-demand pass between Mon 13 Jul – Sat 19 Sep for just £15 and watch with as many people as you like.
– You only need to buy one pass – you can then watch with as many people as you like.
– Within a few hours of booking, you will be sent an email by New Wolsey Theatre with your viewing link.
– You have 72 hours from the point of purchase to watch the show as many times as you like before the link expires.
– Viewing can only happen through the account that was used to purchase the pass – sharing the link to others will not work.
– Want to experience the show with Audio Description, BSL interpretation or Captions? Open the link we send to you after purchasing and then click your preferred option that is just below where the show is being displayed. Please note that BSL interpretation and Captioning are currently available, and Audio Description will be an option very soon.
If you have any questions or issues, contact the New Wolsey Theatre’s Box Office team by calling 01473 295900 or emailing tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk.
Join us for a new investigation in the fourth instalment of the captivating detective theatre show with award-winning investigative journalist and broadcaster Donal MacIntyre.
In this gripping new live show, Donal examines the extraordinary true stories of murderers who came terrifyingly close to escaping justice.
They planned the murder. They covered their tracks. They thought they had got away with it. They almost did.
From tiny forensic traces and forgotten witnesses to CCTV, phone records, contradictions and unexpected breakthroughs, Fatal Mistake explores the crucial moments that finally began to unravel seemingly impossible cases.
Drawing on some of the most compelling murder investigations of modern times, Donal takes audiences inside the hunt for killers who believed they had committed the perfect crime.
How did they avoid suspicion for so long? What finally gave them away? And just how close did they really come to getting away with murder?
Beauty and the Beast is a musical spectacular, featuring song and dance, to tell a tale “as old as time”. Fun and entertainment for all the family and suitable for every age. Watch our story unfold and find out if the simple village maiden can show the cursed prince how to love and make him human again…
See how all the production elements come together during technical rehearsals ahead of opening night. Watch our talented Creative team and dedicated Technical and Stage Management team bring everything together from rehearsals to the stage. This is a rare chance to observe how a Technical rehearsal runs. Limited capacity so early booking is advised.
Step inside the rehearsal room and discover how a new play is made. This observation session will allow you to see how a brand new drama is created in rehearsals with a company of actors discovering the characters for the very first time and directed by QTH’s Creative Director Alex Thorpe. There’ll also be the chance to speak to our Producing team about the rehearsal process.
Limited capacity so early booking is advised.
You’ve had a peak into the rehearsal room, now come and see how it all comes together on the stage. Watch how our talented Creative team and brilliant Technical and Stage Management teams all work together to transfer the show from the rehearsal room to the stage with all of the set, props, costume, lighting and sound. It’s a thrilling part of the process and this is a unique opportunity to witness the magic. Not one to be missed.
You can also join us for a Rehearsal Observation as part of our Outer Limits programme.
Ever wondered how the magic of Panto is created? Now is your chance to find out. Come and observe our talented team of Actor-Musicians as they bring the story of Robin Hood to life under the watchful eye of Director Kash Arshad. Our Producing team will also be on hand to answer all your questions. Spaces are limited, so book now to avoid missing out on this exciting behind-the-scenes experience.
You can also join us for a Technical Observation as part of our Outer Limits programme.
QTH Director of Audiences and Development, Kathryn Winter, leads a practical workshop exploring how artists and theatre makers can connect their work with audiences. Through discussion and exercises, participants will explore audience development, refine how they talk about their projects and discover tools that can support marketing, design and audience research. This workshop is aimed at producers and theatre makers looking to build confidence in promoting their work and developing audiences.
