Earlier this year the Bristol Hippodrome announced that Will Young will be making his panto debut at the South West’s home of great live theatre as The Spirit of the Beans. Today [Monday 21st July] further casting was revealed, with Charlie Brooks to play the Giant’s wife Mrs Blunderbore, Richard Cadell playing Silly Billy (of course, accompanied by Sooty), Andy Ford playing Farmer Trot, Ceri Dupree joining the cast as Jack’s mum, Mrs Trot and musical theatre star Ashlyn Weekes joins as Princess Jill. Multi award-winning TV and theatre star Charlie Brooks celebrates a screen career spanning almost thirty years. Perhaps best known as Janine Butcher in EastEnders (featuring in over 1,000 episodes of the show), Charlie has also won I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here and recently competed in Dancing on Ice. Charlie has also enjoyed an extensive theatre career, most recently touring the UK in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang playing The Childcatcher.
Richard Cadell is known to children nationwide as the presenter of the legendary The Sooty Show. Richard started out as one of Britain’s top illusionists, appearing on stage and television all over the world, and he has also worked as a BBC Radio DJ and children’s television presenter on Sky TV. Richard has now worked with Sooty for more than 20 years, writing and presenting over 100 television episodes. Sooty has been a family favourite for over seven decades, and The Sooty Show is currently the highest watched preschool show on ITV.
Andy and Ceri make their return to Bristol panto having last starred together in Peter Pan during the 2023 pantomime season with Sir David Suchet and Faye Tozer.
One of pantomime’s most successful comedians, Andy Ford, makes a welcome return to Bristol, having starred in many Bristol pantomimes over the years. Andy has appeared on stages across the UK entertaining thousands of theatregoers with his quick-wit, physical routines and humour, winning rave reviews and legions of fans wherever he performs.
Faaaaaaaaabulous panto dame and cabaret artist Ceri Dupree performs at venues across the UK. Ceri’s portrayal of Danny La Rue in Cilla achieved acclaim and his extensive repertoire of theatre shows include Hello Dolly, Rock Hard 60s Tribute Show, Hot Stuff – the 70s Tribute Show, The Ultimate Hen Party, The Wizard of Oz and The Rocky Horror Show.
The cast is also joined by Ashlyn Weekes whose credits include playing Belle/1st Cover Pearl in Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals’ acclaimed production Starlight Express.
Jack and the Beanstalk is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the company behind recent pantomime successes including Brian Conley’s appearance in Goldilocks and the Three Bears last Christmas.
Image - Bristol Hippodrome
Bristol Hippodrome’s Theatre Director Ben Phillips said:
I am so excited for this year's family Christmas treat, and Jack and the Beanstalk is the classic British pantomime! And what a cast we have, good, evil, glamour, comedy and family favourites. I'll let you decide who is who! Bristol audiences love their family panto and with Will, Charlie, Richard and Sooty, Andy, Ceri and Ashlyn entertaining us, I'm sure we'll be booked up quickly again! I'm lucky enough to see your smiling faces year on year and look forward to seeing you all again this Christmas. Oh yes I do!
Jack and the Beanstalk sees Jack on a mission to climb to Cloudland, outwit the evil Giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and capture the heart of the one he loves! Packed with laughter, music, special effects, and plenty of audience participation, don't miss this unforgettable family treat.
Jack and the Beanstalk will play at Bristol Hippodrome, from Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026. Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/bristol - Tickets start at £15*.
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