There are certain moments in the year that simply feel like Christmas has arrived, and for audiences in Bath, the opening night of pantomime at Theatre Royal Bath sits firmly at the heart of that tradition. This year, that moment promises to be bigger, brighter and more thrilling than ever, as stage and screen favourite Marc Baylis joins the cast of the city’s festive spectacular Beauty and the Beast, taking on the role of Hugo in what is set to be the most talked-about theatrical event of the season.
Best known to millions as Rob Donovan in ITV’s Coronation Street, a role that saw him nominated for both Best Newcomer and Best Actor at the National Television Awards and the Inside Soap Awards, Marc Baylis brings with him a formidable body of work that spans television, film and theatre. His screen credits include Whitstable Pearl, London Kills, Misfits, EastEnders and The Bill, while his stage work has taken him from the Barbican to the Apollo Theatre in productions ranging from Hamlet to Jerusalem. His return to pantomime, having played Hugo at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre last year for UK Productions, signals a performer who understands exactly what makes this uniquely British theatrical tradition so enduringly magical.
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And magical it is. Because pantomime at Theatre Royal Bath is not simply another date in the diary; it is the show families plan their Christmas around, the tickets that are booked months in advance, and the experience that marks the beginning of the festive season itself. For those who return year after year, it is a ritual built on anticipation as much as it is on spectacle – the familiar excitement of taking your seat, the hum of a full auditorium, and the shared sense that something magical is about to unfold.
For first-time visitors, it offers something even more special: an unforgettable introduction to live theatre, where the scale, colour and immediacy of performance land with an emotional clarity no screen can replicate. It is the moment a child leans forward, completely captivated; the sound of unrestrained laughter echoing around the auditorium; the collective gasp as the story turns; and, ultimately, the quiet glow that follows a performance that has delighted, surprised and completely transported its audience.
This Christmas, Bath sparkles brighter than ever as Theatre Royal Bath presents a spectacular pantomime reimagining of the timeless tale Beauty and the Beast. Written by Bath’s own award-winning writer Jon Monie, who also returns to the stage as the irrepressible Louis La Plonk, the production reunites him with much-loved comic performer Nick Wilton as Dame Polly La Plonk, forming the comic heart of a show that balances warmth, wit and theatrical spectacle in equal measure.
Audiences can expect a production of exceptional scale and quality, with lavish sets that shift and transform with cinematic precision, lighting design that heightens every emotional beat, choreography that drives the energy of the piece, and a finely tuned script that delivers both laugh-out-loud comedy and genuine moments of tenderness. Add to this a company of performers at the top of their game and a wealth of technical wizardry, and the result is a production that does far more than entertain; it creates a fully immersive festive experience.
Marc Baylis said “I am thrilled to be playing the gloriously villainous Hugo in Beauty and the Beast! He’s got muscles, a mirror, and not a shred of shame — what’s not to love?
I can’t wait to cause mayhem on stage at the stunning Theatre Royal Bath alongside the hilarious duo of Jon Monie and Nick Wilton, what could possibly go wrong? Bring on the boos, the laughs, and the chaos - Hugo has arrived, and he’s ready to steal the spotlight... and possibly your girlfriend.”
UK Productions Producer, Martin Dodd said: “We’re beyond excited to have Marc Baylis join Beauty and the Beast at Theatre Royal Bath this Christmas! Marc brings the perfect blend of charm, mischief, and villainous energy to Hugo, and trust me, you do not want to miss it – he’s going to be brilliant! With stunning lighting, incredible choreography, and a production that’s only getting bigger and better, this show is set to be a festive favourite. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours now before they’re gone!”
Beauty and the Beast has become synonymous with everything audiences look for in a Christmas show – a story filled with romance and redemption, spectacle that dazzles, humour that spans generations, and a sense of occasion that makes the theatre feel like the centre of the city’s celebrations. It is, quite simply, the show that defines Christmas in Bath.
For regular attendees, the message is clear: book early, secure your seats, and prepare to be swept up once again in a production that continues to set the standard for pantomime. For those yet to experience it, there has rarely been a better moment to begin what will undoubtedly become a lasting family tradition.
Beauty and the Beast is at the Theatre Royal Bath from 10 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, with early booking strongly advised guaranteeing the best available seats.
An Early Bird ticket offer is available: tickets are half price when booked and paid by Friday 29 May. The offer applies to selected performances on 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17 December, and 5 to 8 January 2027, with a maximum of four discounted tickets per household, subject to availability.
Tickets can be booked via the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or online at https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/.
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