Manchester Opera House announces sweet new partnership with Swizzels for pantomime season

Manchester Opera House is delighted to today announce a brand-new partnership with iconic British sweet manufacturer Swizzels ahead of its highly anticipated pantomime season.

Swizzels – creators of much-loved sweets since 1928 – will be an official sponsor of this year’s magical production of Robin Hood. Last year’s production of Cinderella saw over 66,000 theatregoers getting into the holiday spirit, with this year’s show set to prove equally popular.

The production marks the return of comedy favourites Jason Manford and Ben Nickless as Robin Hood and Will Scarlett. They’ll be joined by musical theatre stars Landi Oshinowo as the Spirit of Sherwood, Adam Strong as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Sarah Vaughan as Maid Marion.

The partnership represents a significant milestone in the Palace Theatre & Opera House’s growing corporate programme, highlighting its commitment to building strong local and national brand collaborations. Theatregoers can look forward to indulging in a selection of Swizzels’ best-selling sweets during their visit to the Opera House, including Squashies Original Raspberry & Milk, Squashies Sour Cherry & Apple and the Scrumptious Sweets variety bag, filled with iconic treats such as Refreshers, Parma Violets and Love Hearts.  

Ashleagh Williams, Sales & Development Manager at the Palace Theatre and Opera House said: ‘’I couldn’t be prouder to be delivering this partnership with Swizzels. For me, trips to see the pantomime feature in many vivid childhood memories, as do iconic Swizzels sweets like Love Hearts and Parma Violets – it really does feel like the perfect fit!

It’s particularly exciting to have led on this initiative, which marks a first of its kind in Manchester for many years, and a huge personal milestone since joining the team last year. I couldn’t ask for a better brand to share this journey with.”

Mark Walker, Commercial Director of Swizzels said: ‘’We’re delighted to be bringing some extra sweetness and smiles to Manchester this Christmas!

Swizzels is all about creating joyful moments to share, so sponsoring the renowned pantomime at the Opera House feels like the perfect festive partnership.’’