Cardiff's New Theatre has unveiled its star-studded cast for the 2026 Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, running from December 5, 2026, to January 3, 2027. The production marks the return of BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones, who will reprise his role as the prince, this time playing the handsome yet vain Filipe De Boeuf.
Star-Studded Cast Announced
Joining Jones are Stella and The Tuckers star Steve Speirs as Belle's father, Monsieur Marzipan; panto veteran Mike Doyle as the dame Betty Bonbon; comedian Jack Ryan as Almonde; and Cardiff-born TikTok and YouTube sensation Jo Osmond as the enchantress Madame Spite. Osmond has appeared in Star Wars, Harry Potter, Dumbo, and Doctor Who.
Gethin Jones Returns for Third Panto
This will be Jones's third pantomime at the New Theatre, a departure from his television work and his role as Chef de Mission for Team Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. "Coming back to New Theatre Cardiff for another Christmas honestly felt like an easy decision," Jones said. "Last year was such an incredible experience and the welcome from Cardiff audiences was something I'll never forget." He added, "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."
Steve Speirs and Other Cast Members
Steve Speirs, best known for creating and starring in The Tuckers and currently filming BBC comedy Better Later alongside Ruth Jones, expressed his excitement: "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." He quipped, "And to have been offered the role of 'Beauty' makes it even more special…I think that's what they said…"
Jack Ryan, one of the UK's most in-demand comedians, returns to the panto stage paired with his long-standing comedy partner Mike Doyle, who plays his 'mum', the dame Betty Bonbon.
New Theatre Director's Excitement
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."
