Catch up with the latest news and updates, and sneaky peaks at what it takes to put on our productions. If you'd like us to add anything else - get in touch!
Discover why Imagine Theatre is one of the UK's leading independent pantomime producers. With more than 275 professional pantomimes, award-winning productions, nationwide reach, carbon-neutral operations and a commitment to accessible, sustainable family entertainment, Imagine Theatre continues to set the standard for modern pantomime production across the UK.
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Vernon Kay - Bromley
joe pasquale - dartford
Su Pollard - Crewe
Gethin Jones - Cardiff
jenny ryan - leicester
La Voix - Wycombe
justin fletcher - reading
Vernon Kay, La Voix, Gethin Jones, Jack P. Shepherd, Owain Wyn Evans, Anne Hegerty, Richie Anderson, Steve Speirs, Su Pollard, Joe Pasquale, AJ and Curtis Pritchard, Jenny Ryan, Suzanne Shaw, Justin Fletcher and more join an all-star line-up across 21 pantomimes nationwide
This Christmas, some of the UK’s most recognisable faces are heading to a theatre near you as Imagine Theatre unveils its spectacular 2026 season. With twenty one pantomimes, this season promises to be bigger, brighter and packed with more star power than ever, with an incredible roll-call of familiar faces joining the finest panto dames, comics, dancers and singers from across the UK.
Four of the UK’s favourite TV and radio presenters – Vernon Kay, Gethin Jones, Owain Wyn Evans and Richie Anderson – swap the studio for the stage and a good dose of panto madness. They’ll be joined by screen and stage favourites including Steve Speirs and Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd, while panto royalty Su Pollard, Joe Pasquale and Strictly Come Dancing favourite La Voix are guaranteed to have audiences rolling in the aisles.
There’s no shortage of familiar faces for younger audiences either. Megastar Justin Fletcher will be joined by Balamory’s PC Plum, Andrew Agnew, double BAFTA winner Mark Rhodes and popular CBeebies presenter Rebecca Keatley.
Reaching for the wand rather than the buzzer this Christmas are ‘Chasers’ Anne Hegerty and Jenny Ryan, with twinkle-toed brothers AJ and Curtis Pritchard, Britain’s Got Talent finalists Han & Fran, pop and musical theatre favourite Suzanne Shaw, and much-loved ‘Joseph’ Keith Jack adding even more sparkle to the season.
owain wyn evans - swansea
anne hegerty - fareham
richie anderson - swindon
Joining this stellar line-up is a host of well-known West End performers, who will share the stage with talented local youngsters, giving audiences the chance to see the stars of tomorrow performing alongside some of Britain’s best-known faces.
This year, Imagine Theatre will present panto in Bromley, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Coventry, Crewe, Dartford, Fareham, Glasgow, High Wycombe, Halifax, Hertford, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Leamington Spa, Llandudno, Leicester, Reading, Stafford, Swansea and Swindon.
The season builds on Imagine Theatre's award-winning track record, with the company having received almost 40 UK Pantomime Association Award nominations in recent years and taking home nine awards, including Best Set and Best Pantomime Over 900 Seats.
jack p shepherd - llandudno
rebecca keatley - swansea
aj & curtis pritchard - leamington
Laura Taylor, Head of Celebrity Casting at Imagine Theatre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s line-up of shows and stars. Pantomime season is always such a special time of year and it’s a rare opportunity for the whole family to get together, have some escapism and make memories that will last a lifetime. So, we need to make sure the cast on stage are having a good time too as that becomes infectious. The shows that we’ve put together this year are guaranteed to be a whole lot of fun!”
Steve Boden, Joint CEO of Imagine Theatre, said:” Creating panto is special. It’s a huge team effort, from the team behind the scenes and our cast and crew, everyone brings a bit of themselves to it. We’re incredibly proud this year once again to work with such a brilliant mix of established names and local talent, and to create shows that value tradition and storytelling, putting families at the front and centre. We put a lot of heart into our pantomimes, and I hope that comes across the moment the curtain goes up.”
Expect spectacular sets, big dance numbers, hilarious comedy, singalong favourites, sensational special effects and plenty of audience participation - all the glorious chaos that makes panto one of Britain’s favourite traditions.
Dust off those festive jumpers and get ready to boo, hiss, cheer and sing your heart out. Christmas is coming, and Imagine Theatre is bringing a whole lot of panto magic with it.
Visit imaginetheatre.co.uk for more information and tickets
mark rhodes = stafford
suzanne shaw = swansea
andrew agnew - bromley
steve speirs = cardiff
ADAM SMITH THEATRE. KIRKCALDY
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
03 December 2026 – 30 December 2026
Beauty and the Beast comes to life at the Adam Smith Theatre this Christmas with a magical Christmas pantomime packed with laughs, dazzling sets and show-stopping performances the whole family will love. When a prince is cursed only true love can break the spell before the final petal falls from the enchanted rose. Can Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love the Beast?
Whether it’s your first visit or a festive tradition, don’t miss one of Fife’s most popular Christmas shows.
BEAM: HERTFORD
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
09 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
A giant adventure is climbing its way to BEAM this Christmas as Jack and the Beanstalk bursts onto the stage in a spectacular, toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud pantomime for the whole family. When the Trott family finds themselves without a bean to their name and an evil giant threatens their village, brave young Jack swaps the family cow for a handful of magic beans sparking an epic journey to the land of giants.
Back by popular demand are larger -than life dame MAMA G and comedian and magician Tom Brace joined by local favourite Alistair Barrie,. Bigger, bolder, and funnier than ever, whether you’re a panto regular or brand new to the tradition, this is the festive treat you won’t want to miss
CARMARTHEN LYRIC THEATRE
DICK WHITTINGTON
10 – 28 December 2026
The cat’s out of the bag… Dick Whittington is coming to The Lyric, This classic family pantomime will be packed with dazzling costumes, toe-tapping songs, belly-laughs, and more panto mischief than you can shake a spotted handkerchief at!
When Dick realises he is penniless, he sets out on a journey to London, where the streets are reportedly paved with gold. And, of course, his trusty cat joins him for this paw-some adventure.
Expect fairytale fun, enchanting sets, and a show-stopping cast that will have you cheering, booing, and singing along from start to finish. It’s a magical festive tradition you won’t want to miss!
CHURCHILL THEATRE, BROMLEY
SLEEPING BEAUTY
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
www.trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley
Radio and TV Favourite Vernon Kay is heading to Bromley this Christmas as he returns to the pantomime stage in Churchill Theatre's spectacular production of Sleeping Beauty. He is joined by Balamory’s PC Plum Andrew Agnew and West End Theatre favourites Rebekah Lowings, James Bisp Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli and Sophie Naglik.
When Carabosse’s evil curse causes Princess Beauty to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her before it is too late? Packed with dazzling costumes, spectacular scenery, side-splitting comedy and show-stopping songs, this high-quality production promises festive fun for all ages that will leave the whole family wide awake with excitement.
COVENTRY BELGRADE
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
18 November 2026 – 02 January 2027
For Christmas 2026, the Belgrade Theatre presents the most enchanting tale of all, Beauty and the Beast, written by and starring Coventry’s favourite dame, Iain Lauchlan. When beautiful Belle is kidnapped by a frightening Beast and locked away in his terrifying castle, she soon discovers there may be more to the Beast than meets the eye. Can he change his selfish ways and find true love before it is too late?
Guaranteed to bring a touch of magic, mayhem and monstrous fun to your festive celebrations. Expect breathtaking sets, crazy costumes and the seasonal silliness that makes a trip to the Belgrade san unmissable treat for thousands of families every year.
CREWE LYCEUM
SLEEPING BEAUTY
11 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Sleeping Beauty at Crewe Lyceum stars national treasure and panto legend Su Pollard, alongside Cheshire favourites Malcolm Lord and Ste Johnston, returning by popular demand. When the wicked fairy Carabosse casts her sinister curse, the princess is doomed to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep enchanted sleep. Can anyone break the spell before it is too late?
Bursting with everything you love about the Crewe Lyceum pantomime, This pant of your dreams promises laugh-out-loud comedy a fabulously outrageous dame, a deliciously wicked villain, show stopping musical numbers and plenty of slapstick fun for audiences of all ages in a magical festive adventure.
DE MONTFORT HALL, LEICESTER
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
12 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Beauty and the Beast stars The Chase TV quiz legend Jenny Ryan welcoming back comedian Jarred
Christmas and Leicester’s very own larger-than-life panto dame Jack Ballard. When a prince is cursed to live as a Beast, only true love can break the spell before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose.
In a fairytale story beloved by generations young and old, with hilarious jokes, catchy songs, and panto joy aplenty, this charming pantomime promises to be a festive treat for the whole family it would be beastly to miss.
EDEN COURT, INVERNESS
CINDERELLA
02 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Eden Court’s spectacular family pantomime is back with all the magic, music and mayhem you’ve come to know and love! Poor Cinderella dreams of a very different life as she toils night and day, but when a royal invitation arrives, her chance to escape could finally be within reach. Will her wicked stepsisters spoil her chance at happiness or can her Fairy Godmother and ever-cheerful Buttons work their magic in time?
Everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale will be full of all of the ingredients you love from the Eden Court panto: side-splitting slapstick, dazzling musical numbers and plenty of audience participation for the whole family.
FAREHAM LIVE
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
11 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Fee-fi-fo-fum! The Chase’s Anne Hegerty heads to Fareham Live this Christmas alongside returning panto Dame Josiah Eloi in a giant family adventure. When Jack swaps his family cow for a handful of magic beans, he finds himself on an epic journey to the land of giants. But with an evil giant terrorising the village, will Jack be able to save the day?
Expect dazzling sets, show-stopping songs, plenty of audience participation, and more magic than you can shake a bean at in a spectacular, toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud festive treat for the whole family.
GALLEON CENTRE, KILMARNOCK
BEAUTY AND THE BEASTIE
27 November 2026 – 27 December 2026
The Killie panto returns to the Galleon Auditorium this festive season with the enchanting tale of Beauty and the Beastie! When a selfish prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only hope is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Can village beauty Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast?
Packed with everything Kilmarnock panto audiences adore – a magical fairytale, laugh-out-loud comedy, toe-tapping songs and plenty of festive sparkle – this spectacular production promises fun for the whole family.
GLASGOW PAVILION
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BONNIE BEARS
26 November 2026 – 10 January 2027 (
Glasgow’s much-loved panto returns with Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears, starring Pavilion favourites Liam Dolan, Grado, Stephen Purdon, Scott Fletcher, Jack Jester, Jennifer Neil, Valissa Scott and Craig
Glover, alongside The Dolls’ Louise McCarthy. When Goldilocks, daughter of circus owner Gertie, encounters a family of three bonnie bears, she must team up with her new furry friends to save the circus from a wicked ringmaster.
Packed with festive spirit, all of the usual Pav mayhem, side-splitting comedy, and plenty of surprises for kids and grown-ups alike, this is the Pavilion’s must-see festive tradition, fun, festive, and oh-so-full of cheer! Don’t miss the fairy-tale extravaganza that’s “just right” for the whole family!
LEAMINGTON ROYAL SPA CENTRE
CINDERELLA
04 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre/info/71/panto
Cinderella comes to the Royal Spa Centre this Christmas with dance duo AJ and Curtis Pritchard leading the cast.
Poor Cinderella toils night and day, dreaming of a very different life. When a royal invitation arrives, it seems her wish for a brighter future might finally come true. But will her Wicked Stepsisters spoil her chance at happiness? Or can her Fairy Godmother – with a little help from the ever-cheerful Buttons – work their magic in time?
Everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale will be full of all of the ingredients you love from the Spa Centre panto: side-splitting slapstick, dazzling musical numbers, and plenty of audience participation for the whole family.
NEW THEATRE, CARDIFF
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
A tale as old as time is coming to life! Beauty and the Beast stars much-loved TV Presenter Gethin Jones star alongside film and stage actor Steve Speirs and Cardiff’s favourite Dame Mike Doyle in a panto packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling costumes, show-stopping songs, and jaw-dropping magic that will delight the entire family, When a Prince is cursed to live as a fearsome Beast, only true love can break the spell before the last petal falls. Could Belle, a book-loving village girl, be his heroine?
Join in the fun with a cast of colourful characters as they discover that true beauty lies within!
ORCHARD THEATRE, DARTFORD
CINDERELLA
12 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
The biggest ball of the year awaits… and you’re all invited! Panto legend Joe Pasquale returns to Dartford to star in
Cinderella at the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre. He is joined by Musical Theatre favourites Keith Jack, Abbie Budden, Ben Goffe, Gareth Mitchell, Garnon Davies and Vanessa Dumatey.
As Cinderella dreams of escaping her life of chores, a royal invitation offers her the chance to change her fortunes – but can she make it to the ball before midnight?
Brilliantly brought to life with an amazing, immersive award-winning set featuring animated scenes, glittering costumes, and mesmerising special effects that will leave the whole family gasping with delight. Packed with plenty of festive sparkle, laugh-out-loud comedy, show-stopping songs, audience participation galore Cinderella promises to be the perfect festive treat for all the family.
READING HEXAGON
ALADDIN
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
www.whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/aladdin-panto-2026
Climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into the spectacular world of Aladdin as Reading’s favourite panto double act, children’s TV megastar Justin Fletcher and award-winning dame Paul Morse take you on a magical family adventure. on a spellbinding adventure as Aladdin attempts to outwit the wicked sorcerer, claim his fortune, and win the heart of his true love.
Full of laughter, wonder, and festive cheer, Aladdin will feature another dazzling digital set with animated scenes and mesmerising effects, plus all of the ingredients you know and love in a Hexagon pantomime - side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes and show-stopping musical numbers! Create unforgettable memories with friends and family in this fabulous Christmas treat
STAFFORD GATEHOUSE
ALADDIN
04 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into the spectacular world of Aladdin Stafford’s unmissable family pantomime starring Mark Rhodes, David Phipps-Davis and Smantha Spragg. Will Aladdin outwit the wicked sorcerer, claim his fortune, and win the heart of his true love? Join us to find out in a spellbinding adventure bursting with laughter, wonder, and festive cheer.
Packed with side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers, Aladdin has all the ingredients for the ultimate Christmas treat.
SWANSEA GRAND
SNOW WHITE
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Are you ready for the most magical panto of them all? BBC presenter Owain Wyn Evans, CBeebies favourite Rebecca Keatley, singer and TV personality Suzanne Shaw, panto favourite Christian Patterson and funnyman
Steve Walls lead the cast of Snow White at Swansea Grand Theatre, with a special digital appearance from Swansea’s own Kev Johns.
When the Magic Mirror declares Snow White the fairest of them all, the Wicked Queen is consumed by jealousy. Can Snow White’s friends save her?
Packed with glittering costumes, show-stopping songs, laugh-out-loud comedy and more magic than you can wave a wand at, this is the Christmas tradition your family won't want to miss!
VENUE CYMRU
SLEEPING BEAUTY
12 December 2026 – 02 January 2027
Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd leads the cast of Sleeping Beauty at Venue Cymru this Christmas alongside Llandudno favourites John Evans, Simon Nehan , Britain’s Got Talent stars Han and Fran and musical theatre star Corrine Cherish. When wicked fairy Carabosse’s curse causes Princess Aurora to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her before it is too late?
Packed with everything you love about the Venue Cymru pantomime: a side-splitting comic, an outrageous dame, a delightfully devious baddie, spectacular musical numbers and plenty of slapstick fun for all ages. Don’t miss out on the panto of your dreams
VICTORIA THEATRE HALIFAX
ALADDIN
11 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Make your Christmas wishes come true as Aladdin takes to the stage at Halifax’s Victoria Theatre. Andrew Pollard and Matthew Allen, Halifax’s much-loved panto duo, return to pantoland for another magical adventure. Will Aladdin outwit the wicked sorcerer, claim his fortune and win the heart of his true love?
Climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into a spectacular world packed with laughter, wonder and festive cheer.
Packed with side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers, Aladdin has all the ingredients for the ultimate Christmas treat.
WYCOMBE SWAN
PETER PAN
11 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Darlings, she’s back! The fabulous La Voix returns to the Wycombe panto with even more magic, glitter (and sequins!) as the mischievous Tinker Bell. Expect comedy and mayhem as she teams up with hilarious funnyman Kev Orkian as Smee. One thing is for sure… you will be laughing your socks off all the way to Neverland!
Join Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys on a swashbuckling journey to the magical island Neverland, where adventure awaits around every corner - and the dastardly Captain Hook is never far behind.
Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular special effects, show-stopping songs, plenty of audience participation and all the panto magic you know and love, this timeless tale will delight children and grown-ups alike. It’s the perfect festive treat for the whole family.
WYVERN THEATRE, SWINDON
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
A giant adventure is climbing it’s way to the Wyvern Theatre this Christmas, starring Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, Britain’s Got Talent’s Jamie Leahey and Swindon’s favourite panto dame David Ashley. When Jack swaps the family cow for a handful of magic beans, he finds himself on an extraordinary journey to the land of giants. Will they really have to sell Buttercup the family cow just to survive?
Expect dazzling sets, show-stopping songs, plenty of audience participation, and more panto magic than you can shake a bean at! Bigger, bolder, and funnier than ever. Whether you’re a panto regular or brand new to the tradition, this is the festive treat you won’t want to miss.
Imagine Theatre are an innovative, award-winning theatre production company offering spectacular entertainment for the whole family across the UK.
Building on a legacy of family entertainment stretching back over 25 years, Imagine Theatre - led by husband-and-wife team Steve and Sarah Boden and supported by an amazing team of professionals – have produced more than 275 professional pantomimes and multiple children’s theatre tours.
Their family friendly shows have won multiple awards and have been received by audiences of all ages with huge positivity and to great critical acclaim. Over the last few years, Imagine Theatre have received almost forty nominations from the UK Pantomime Association Awards, winning nine, including awards for the Best Set and Best Pantomime over 900 seats.
Part of the Trafalgar Entertainment group of companies, each year Imagine Theatre facilitate productions in more than 50 venues across the UK. This year, Imagine Theatre are producing, co-producing or working in association with pantomimes in Bromley, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Coventry, Crewe, Dartford, Fareham, Glasgow, High Wycombe, Halifax, Hertford, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Leamington Spa, Llandudno, Leicester, Reading, Stafford, Swansea and Swindon.
Spring 2026 also saw the continuation of the hugely popular UK tour of Justin Live - Justin Time To Rock, alongside Scrumptious House Productions, starring CBeebies Megastar Justin Fletcher. They will also be involved with producing an exciting new musical, Hen Night Horror, which debuted in 2024 in Scotland to critical acclaim and returns to Scottish theatres this Autumn.
Spring 2027 will see them touring the incomparable La Voix who will be visiting 35 theatres across the UK in her biggest and boldest show to date – La Voix Live and which will also include a date at the London Palladium.
Proud to be a Carbon Neutral company, Imagine Theatre operate from a purpose-built facility in Coventry which houses their head offices and a large scenic, costume and props store, as well as their costume and props workshops. Following substantial growth over the past couple of years, 2025 saw an exciting move to new larger premises in Coventry, Trafalgar House, also saw them create a Midlands hub for the Trafalgar Entertainment Group.
Imagine also provides a range of services from the hire of individual costumes, pantomime scripts, special effects or theatrical sets through to the staging of entire productions.
Over 500 actors, technicians, directors, designers, choreographers, musicians and stage management work for Imagine during the Christmas period using their skills to create the very best productions possible.
Whilst being cheerleaders of the wonderful traditional elements that make up a great panto, over the past few years Imagine have also worked with their creative teams to develop a new innovative and immersive pantomime experience which uses spectacular animated scenery and transports audiences into the world of the production, described by many critics and audience members as ‘Incredible’ and ‘Mesmerising’.
For further information check out their website at www.imaginetheatre.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, X or Instagram.
A full overview of Imagine Theatre’s 2026/2027 pantos.
Read MoreTrafalgar Entertainment (TE) – the international live entertainment business founded by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire – has announced details of an exciting new partnership with Imagine Theatre – one of the UK’s biggest pantomime providers.
Read MoreEden Court, Inverness are delighted to announce some familiar faces are returning for Beauty and the Beast this festive season.
Once more the cast will be headed up by the popular duo, panto dame Steven Wren and the hilarious Ross Allan. Chris O’Mara is also returning this year after proving a huge hit with audiences last year when he played the villainous Fleshcreep. New faces to the Eden Court panto stage are Christie Gowans as the title character, Beauty, with Rodney Matthew playing her father, Victoria Compson-Bradford as The Enchantress and Jamie Crockart as The Beast/Prince.
The partnership of Steven and Ross has proved a great hit with audiences over the last few years, and not only does Steven perform as dame but he also directs the panto. He says of their partnership:
“Working with Ross is a treat as he’s so inventive and so funny. We bounce off each other really well and trust each other to go with whatever spontaneous thing happens in any particular performance so that the audience knows we’re improvising around the script, but he’s disciplined enough to come right back to the story as soon as we’ve got the laugh. We're the same sort of performers in that regard and I feel relaxed and confident on the stage with him. As a writer and director, I love the way he plays around with ideas. Every rehearsal is new. He never repeats himself until we’ve decided on the best variation, and that’s the one that goes into the show. he trusts me as a director and acting partner too and that’s crucial for the relationship to work as well as it does.”
“Eden Court is populated with the most adorable people to work with. The encouragement and support I get from the staff is extraordinary. So that makes it a complete event for the audience. It’s not just about what we do on stage, but it’s what the restaurant, box office, bar staff and theatre ushers do that make it a total night out for everyone. What’s surprised me over the years is the build-up of the audience. Something like 36 000 people see the show, and some of them come back more than once. It’s always a wee thrill when someone stops me in the street or in the supermarket and tells me how much they’ve enjoyed the panto (not sure how they recognise me out of make-up, but I’ll leave that aside for now). The best thing about it for the audience is that they get a full story told in a funny and entertaining way that makes 3 year olds and 93 year olds laugh and smile. For many people, it sets the mood for Christmas and I'm delighted that we can be a part of that.”
Ross Allan has had a busy year so far as he recently performed in Aberdeen in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and is currently working at the Dundee Rep. He says:
“I agree with Steven about how wonderful the audience is. The people of Inverness have really made me feel special and welcome over the last six years there and it feels like a second home to me now going in to my seventh panto season. A special mention to everyone that works at Eden Court. They are all a very special bunch of people!”
Christie Gowans is very excited to be taking on the title role of Beauty. Beauty and the Beast has been my absolute favourite fairy tale for as long as I can remember (so much so I can quote the Disney film word for word!), and I think that’s because of its poignant and enduring messages of never judging a book by its cover, always embracing your uniqueness and the power of love! It also has so many wonderful characters that capture your heart, and I particularly love Belle for daring to stand out from the crowd and always standing up for what she believes in!”
“Panto season is the most magical and laughter filled part of my year! I’m in the Christmas mood from the first day of rehearsal to the final show day, and I love seeing the joy that panto brings to everyone of all ages.”
Chris O’Mara is relishing getting to be wicked again this Christmas season as he takes on the role of the arrogant Eugene. “I believe my character has a lot of similarities to Gaston from the Disney version and over the last year or so I've become a bit of a gym bunny, so Gaston and I are definitely kindred spirits in that sense. We both probably spend a little too long looking at ourselves in the mirror too...!”
Beauty and the Beast runs from Friday 6 December 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020.
For more information or to book tickets call the Eden Court box office on 01463 234234 or visit the website www.eden-court.co.uk
The Victoria Theatre are delighted to announce their full principal line-up for the magical family friendly pantomime Beauty and the Beast.
Joining Dame Adam Stafford and comic Josh Benson are Jenny Perry in the title role of Beauty, Richard Anthony-Lloyd as Beauty’s father Cedric, Matthew Wellman as Eugene, Sam Willison as The Prince and Lydia Rose Bertie as The Enchantress.
Richard Anthony Lloyd hails from Yeadon in Leeds and has strong links to Halifax “I first got to know Halifax through rugby. From being smashed on a cold Sunday morning up at Ovenden playing Rugby League to playing Rugby Union for Keighley at every Halifax club over the last 15 years - it's always fun. Before embarking on the Calendar Girls tour which I have recently been in, I performed with the Halifax based theatre company Talking Stock touring with Godfrey's Last Summer playing at The Square Chapel Arts Centre in town. I have lots of friends who are active members of the theatre scene in Halifax and I was planning to direct Spamalot in the town until Calendar Girls came along.
“I have always loved panto and the way it is so totally different to any other genre of theatre. I love the fact that every show is different and anything can happen at any time. It keeps us on our toes and is always loads of fun. I love the fact that you look the audience in the eye, break the fourth wall and ask them to participate with you in the storytelling. As a teacher I love the history behind panto as we know it and how it came about. Slapstick and panto were always my favourite units to teach!!”
Jenny has performed in a number of pantomimes, however this will be her first time playing Principal Girl.
“I have played everything else apart from principal girl as I have played principal boy, fairy and even villain (Wicked Witch of the West), but it’s my first time as a princess so I'm very happy to tick off the last box!”
“I love the story of Beauty and the Beast. Obviously the Disney films were a big success, but I also think it's one of the few pantos where the heroine takes control of her situation and doesn't need rescuing! She is strong-willed, clever and kind, which are characteristics everyone should aspire to have!”
Sam Willison played Prince Michael in last year’s production of Snow White and is delighted to be back and Beast/Prince for this year.
“My favourite part of performing at The Victoria Theatre last was the audiences we had. They were full of energy and loved to get involved in all the action! Also the front of house staff and crew that we were very lucky to have! They always had a smile on their face and made it a lovely place to work.”
Get your tickets now for this ‘beauty’ of a show! Beauty and the Beast runs from Saturday 14 December 2019 until Sunday 5 January 2020.
For more information or to book tickets please contact the Victoria Theatre box office on 01422 351158 or visit www.victoriatheatre.co.uk
When we decided to introduce new panto comic Josh Benson to Halifax, we knew it’d be a fun day. We didn’t realise just HOW MUCH fun it would actually be!
Hailing from York, Josh is very much a Yorkshire lad. This year he joins the cast of Beauty and the Beast at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax as the comic, playing the role of ‘Josh’ (see what we did there?).
Whilst Josh is new to Halifax audiences, he is absolutely no stranger to panto, having taken Chesterfield audiences by storm last year.
Josh has got some big shoes to fill, taking over the role that Neil Hurst inhabited for 10 years. However, all those who met him around Halifax recently will vouch for the fact that those shoes will be more than filled by Josh’s wonderfully effervescent personality, amazing comic timing and brilliant clowning ability.
Knowing how much the Halifax panto audiences love a custard pie or 10, we decided that the best way to introduce him to the town would be just that - a pie in every location!
We thought we’d take you through our day so you can see what we got up to! (and keep an eye out on social media for the video!)
Getting a pie in the face outside Harvey’s
Erm, are you sure you’re allowed to do that, Josh?
Off to Halifax Borough Market…
Next up it was time to head to the Piece Hall (after bumping into the Halifax pink running man, but we didn’t get any photos) - surely Josh was safe from the custard pies here??
Josh was very relieved to hear there were not going to be any pies at the Library, just a chance to borrow his favourite book, “Josh’s Joke Book”.
Surely the staff at Eureka won’t pie Josh? Nope, wrong! Of course they will.
Surely Josh is going to be safe outside the Minster with Revd Canon Hilary Barber?
Introducing Josh to some critical panto props
Josh met Theatre Manager Tim Fagan - who was the first to put a pie in his face!
We headed to Harvey’s to film - and the staff had fun pie-ing Josh (again!)
I want to ride my bicycle….
Josh stops off to get himself a ‘new job’ card at Paper Wishes in the market
…. and another pie in the face outslde Woresman’s Greengrocers, courtesy of Mick from Grosvenors butchers.
Nope, of course not! This time it was a pie courtesy of Al’s Emporium!
Josh, we DEFINITELY know climbing up there isn’t allowed!
5 minutes of down time outside the Minster…
Ha ha ha! Of course not. Nice shot Revd Hilary!
The final visit of the day was to Shibden Hall… and naturally they wanted to play the new game ‘let’s pie Josh’ too!
The Victoria Theatre are delighted to announce the return of dame Adam Stafford for their magical family pantomime Beauty and the Beast this Christmas.
Adam was last at the venue two years ago for their smash hit production of Aladdin and is delighted to be returning for the show he made his Victoria Theatre debut in back in 2012, Beauty and the Beast.
“As well as loving Halifax itself, I love performing at the Victoria Theatre. It's a proper old theatre and the audiences are always very appreciative and the theatre staff and crew are friendly and welcoming. I was sad not to get to do panto last year but I was living in Beijing directing a play for their Chinese National Children's Theatre which was a great experience.”
In addition to Beauty and the Beast Adam is currently doing some work for Alton Towers on the new live Teletubbies show and developing a new musical. He also manages a tribute show, Suspiciously Elvis which has played all over the world. Before travelling to Halifax for the festive season he will also be directing a production of Aladdin near his home in London.
Adam adds, “Panto is very close to my heart and I really love playing dame. It is a lot of hard work but great fun as well. The one bit of advice I would give to anyone wanting to play dame is don’t grow a beard as they always need shaving off for the panto season!”
“I am really looking forward to working with the hilarious Josh Benson as my new son this Christmas.”
Get your tickets now for this ‘beast’ of a show! Beauty and the Beast runs from Saturday 14 December 2019 until Sunday 5 January 2020.
For more information or to book tickets please contact the Victoria Theatre box office on 01422 351158 or visit www.victoriatheatre.co.uk
This year’s pantomime at The Adam Smith sees a variety of new faces and old in the magical tale of Beauty and the Beast. Greg Powrie returns to play Dame following on from his 2016 appearance as Ugly Sister in Cinderella with Kim Shepherd as The Enchantress and Colin Little as Beast/Prince. Jillian Cunningham takes on the role of Belle, Adrian MacDonald will play the hilarious Cameron McKlinkie, David Rankine will be playing the odious Balloch Bennochy and James Barrie will be playing Beauty’s Father, Hugh.
Greg is delighted to be spending the festive season at the Adam Smith once more. “Appearing at The Adam Smith is something of a homecoming. Thirty-eight years ago I appeared in a Scottish Youth Theatre production at the Adam Smith, called What A Way to Run a Revolution; it was my first real taste of theatre, a fantastic production, and an experience I never looked back from. The rehearsals for the 2016 production of Cinderella took place in exactly the same room, and even after all that time there was something reassuringly familiar about the building. Secondly, and more importantly were the audiences as they took us to their hearts very quickly, and the response show after show was phenomenal! You are quite close to them at the Adam Smith, and I like that.”
Dame is one of the most iconic roles in pantomime and Greg says of playing it “I think there is a curious amnesia that comes with playing the Dame. It is utterly exhausting, and every year I sort of forget that! A Dame is only as good as his company, and I've been very lucky in that respect. I do enjoy the freedom that can go with the part, and probably enjoy it most when the unexpected happens, and that is a lot! Having license to interact with the audience is, of course, the best bit, but it always comes with a risk; you have to think fast and be ready to seize any opportunity!”
Colin Little is most used to playing the baddie and is looking forward to the challenge of a slightly different role this season. “Last year I was Abanazar at the Adam Smith and I do usually play the baddie which is great fun but this year I get a taste of both worlds in a way as the Prince, who is then turned in to the Beast, is not a particularly nice character at the start of the show but by the end he has been redeemed.”
Adrian MacDonald will be appearing in his first pantomime this year. “I have appeared in quite a few children’s shows but I have never done panto before so I am very excited. It will also be my first time stepping out to the Adam Smith stage and I am really looking forward to starring in such a well-loved show and looking forward to having some fun and making some panto magic.”
Beauty and the Beast runs from Saturday 8 December 2018 until Saturday 5 January 2019.
To book tickets to please contact Adam Smith box office on 01592 583302 or visit www.onfife.com
On Saturday 15 September local youngsters are being invited to take part in open auditions for Southport Theatre's Beauty and the Beast. The auditions are open to children aged 9-16* who would like to be part of the Junior Chorus. *Please see the venue page on our website for more information. - http://www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/pantomimes/2018-beauty-and-the-beast-southport
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