Cardiff New Theatre Announces Star-Studded Panto Line Up

Gethin Jones, Steve Speirs, Jack Ryan and Jo Osmond will join the previously announced Mike Doyle to bring you an all-star line-up at New Theatre Cardiff’s spectacular family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast this festive season.

Gethin Jones is a much-loved broadcaster known for his energy, warmth and versatility across live television and radio. He first captured the nation’s attention as a presenter on Blue Peter, where he threw himself into every challenge, from flying with the Red Arrows to exploring remote jungles. He went on to join Strictly: It Takes Two, bringing viewers behind-the-scenes stories from one of the BBC’s biggest shows. In 2020, Gethin launched BBC One’s Morning Live and has co-presented the programme ever since, making it a staple of daytime TV. He is also part of The One Show family and cane be heard regularly on Radio 5Live and BBC Radio 2.

Playing the handsome but vain Filipe De Boeuf this year Gethin said ‘Coming back to New Theatre Cardiff for another Christmas honestly felt like an easy decision. Last year was such an incredible experience and the welcome from Cardiff audiences was something I’ll never forget. Working in live theatre is completely different to television. Every performance has its own energy and there’s nothing quite like hearing the audience laughing, singing along and joining in. That’s what makes panto so special. Being able to do all of that in my hometown, surrounded by friends and family over Christmas, makes it even more meaningful. I’m so proud to be returning and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve got in store with Beauty and the Beast. It’s going to be another unforgettable festive adventure!’

Joining Gethin as Belle’s father, Monsieur Marzipan, is one of Wales’s best-loved actors Steve Speirs. Best known for creating and starring in The Tuckers, Steve is currently filming the BBC comedy Better Later, alongside Ruth Jones. He has also appeared in hit series including After Life, Stella (also as writer), Inside No.9, Upstart Crow and Extras, alongside film roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

A panto lover Steve added: ‘My first experience of live theatre was panto, and I was hooked from that moment. And to be performing at the beautiful New Theatre in my home city of Cardiff has made all my Christmas wishes come true. And to have been offered the role of ‘Beauty’ makes it even more special…I think that’s what they said…’

The hilarious Jack Ryan, one of the UK’s busiest comedians, also makes a welcome return to the panto stage in the role of Almonde, paired once again with his panto comedy partner Mike Doyle as his ‘mum’ the larger-than life dame Betty Bonbon. Whilst Cardiff’s own Tik Tok and You tube sensation, actress Jo Osmond, who has appeared in Star Wars, Harry Potter, Dumbo and Doctor Who, takes on the magical role of the Enchantress Madame Spite.

New Theatre Cardiff’s Theatre Director, Stephan Stockton said: “We’re thrilled to welcome such a fantastic cast to this year’s pantomime season. With returning favourites and some much-loved Welsh stars joining the company, Beauty and the Beast is shaping up to be an unforgettable festive treat for audiences of all ages. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to New Theatre Cardiff this Christmas.”

Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling costumes, show-stopping songs, and jaw-dropping magic that will delight the entire family, Beauty and the Beast is the family friendly fairy-tale which has all the ingredients for a truly memorable pantomime. Expect side-splitting jokes, audience participation galore, and plenty of festive sparkle as this classic story is reimagined with that unmistakable panto twist. In the spirit of panto magic, audiences will also be treated to some spectacular special effects by Burnt Toast FX.

When a proud Prince is cursed to live as a fearsome Beast, only true love can break the spell before the last petal falls from a magical rose. But could Belle, a bright, book-loving village girl who dreams of adventure, be the heroine of his story?

Whether you’re a lifelong panto fan or experiencing the magic for the first time, come and cheer on a hilarious cast of colourful characters as they discover that true beauty lies within. Step into the magic this Christmas and book now at newtheatrecardiff.co.uk.