De Montfort Hall presents the enchanting family panto, Beauty and the Beast

Step into the magic of Christmas and join De Montfort Hall for enchanting family pantomime Beauty and the Beast from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027

TV quiz legend, singer, presenter, and star of ITV’s The Chase, Jenny Ryan will lead the cast as the Enchantress, bringing her signature charm and wit to the Leicester stage for the first time. Jenny is joined by Leicester panto favourites, comedian Jarred Christmas as her hilarious son Almonde and larger-than-life Dame Betty Bon Bon, Jack Ballard.

Jenny said: “There’s something truly special about panto at Christmas. It brings families together, fills the theatre with laughter and magic, and creates memories that last a lifetime. I’m so proud to be part of that festive tradition.” Jack added “I’m looking forward to being reunited with the incredible team at DMH. It is always a joy to return to the fantastic audiences that we have in Leicester” As Jarred confirmed: “I am beyond excited…I love Leicester, I love panto, I love beauty and I love beasts…and I love Jack Ballard. This is going to be awesome!”

The trio is joined by Great British Pantomime Award-nominated, Beth Lyons as Belle alongside Ashley Emerson as Prince Friedrich/ Beast. Timothy Lucas stars as the vain and ambitious Philipe De Boeuf, with Thom Tuck as the hilarious Monsieur Marzipan, Belle’s father.

The talented ensemble includes the returning Kayden Patel, Megan Rutherford-Quinn, and Maisie Strong, and the new faces ofElla-Lisa Alexander, Craig Noakes, and Jason Tsoutsas. They will perform alongside a group of local youngsters, selected through open auditions earlier this year, adding even more magic and sparkle as they bring the much-loved fairytale to life.

When a prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only chance to break the spell is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Can the beautiful village girl, Belle, see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast?

Beauty and the Beast is produced by the award-winning Imagine Theatre. It is written by Andrew Pollard with Bobby Delaney directing. The creative team also includes Mitchell Harper as Choreographer and Andrew Hopkinsas Musical Director. Musical arrangements are by Alec Roberts and Ed Watkins, with Simon ‘Fuzzy’ Broadbridge as LX Designer and Joe ‘Scooby’ Skubala as Sound Designer.

A fairytale story beloved by generations young and old, expect hilarious jokes, catchy songs, and panto joy aplenty with this charming festive treat for the whole family!

Get your tickets now as it would be beastly to miss out! Visit demontforthall.co.uk.