Further casting announced for Newcastle Theatre Royal’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk

The beanstalk is growing sky-high as Newcastle Theatre Royal today announces further casting for their gigantic panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. Mick Potts, Wayne Smith, Rachel Stanley and Oonagh Cox will join previously announced Newcastle panto favourites Danny Adams and Clive Webb who will star as Jack Trot and Farmer Trot, along with Chris Hayward as Dame Trott, and Joe McElderry who returns as Spirit of the Beans, in a spectacular new production for 2026 written and directed by Michael Harrison.

Audience favourite Mick Potts returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal to play Pat the Cow in Jack and the Beanstalk. Best known for the hit CBBC series Danny and Mick and Cirque Du Hilarious, Mick has become a firm favourite with Newcastle audiences, and this festive season marks his 15th pantomime at Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Acclaimed West End leading lady Rachel Stanley returns to take on the role of The Queen. Rachel’s other theatre credits range from 42nd Street, Grease and Chicago in London and Paris to scene-stealing panto turns as The Wicked Queen in Snow White, the Magical Mermaid in Peter Pan. She made her Newcastle Theatre Royal panto debut last year as The Wicked Witch in Aladdin.

Wayne Smith, a Tyneside favourite, returns to the Theatre Royal as the evil Fleshcreep. Wayne’s extensive stage career includes leading roles in Dirty Dancing, Jersey Boys and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, alongside a host of Newcastle panto appearances from Snow White to Aladdin.

Rising musical-theatre star Oonagh Cox returns to Newcastle panto in the role of Princess Jill, after first appearing in the title role of Cinderella in 2022. Her theatre credits include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Ambassadors Theatre, West End), Bonnie & Clyde (UK & International Tour), The Book Thief (Curve and Belgrade), and Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre, West End).

Follow Jack as he climbs a beanstalk of epic proportions to Cloudland in search of his fortune. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, he must outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams.

Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling special effects, and larger-than-life fun, Jack and the Beanstalk is pantomime at its absolute best – the panto you’ve bean waiting for!

Don’t miss your chance to see the North East’s fastest-selling pantomime. Book early, or even magic beans won’t get you the best seats!

Jack and the Beanstalk plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 24 Nov 2026 – Sun 17 Jan 2027. Tickets are available here.