New Theatre Cardiff has announced that this year’s family pantomime will be Beauty and the Beast, running from 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Cardiff favourite Mike Doyle will return as Dame to bring the tale as old as pantomime to life, with further star casting set to be revealed in the coming months.
The Welsh comedy award winner, singer and actor has been entertaining audiences for more than 47 years, performing on cruise ships and touring across Wales with his own shows. A much loved face at the New Theatre, Mike has become a firm favourite with panto audiences thanks to his energetic performances and famous catchphrase, How’s it goin?… Alriiiight!
Beauty and the Beast will be produced by the award winning Imagine Theatre, promising another festive spectacular for the capital.
Fresh from finishing a successful run as Nurse Nellie in Sleeping Beauty, Mike Doyle said:
“I know we may only have just packed away the Christmas decorations but it’s never too early to be talking pantomime, OH NO IT ISN’T! I am absolutely delighted to be back in Cardiff this year in Beauty and the Beast. I know we’re going to have a brilliant time as ever and can’t wait to see you all there! Alriiiight!!”
A spokesperson for New Theatre Cardiff added:
“We’re delighted to be working with the award-winning producer Imagine Theatre on Beauty and the Beast this year and to welcome Mike Doyle back home for the festive season. A true favourite with Cardiff audiences, we know Mike will bring to the stage everything our audiences love about the New Theatre panto to tell this fantastic story only the way he can!”
The production promises all the ingredients of a classic pantomime, packed with laugh out loud comedy, dazzling costumes, show stopping songs and jaw dropping magic to delight the whole family. Audiences can expect plenty of audience participation, festive sparkle and a fresh twist on the much loved fairy tale.
The story follows a proud Prince cursed to live as a fearsome Beast, with only true love able to break the spell before the last petal falls from a magical rose. Could Beauty, a bright, book loving village girl who dreams of adventure, be the heroine he needs?
Whether you are a lifelong panto fan or experiencing the magic for the first time, the New Theatre promises a hilarious cast of colourful characters and a heart warming message that true beauty lies within.
Tickets are on sale now at newtheatrecardiff.co.uk.
