BAFTA award winning Dani Harmer and West End performers to star in the Grand Opera House York’s Beauty and the Beast pantomime

The most enchanting pantomime of all time, Beauty & The Beast, comes to York with a star-studded cast announcement. BAFTA award winning actress Dani Harmer stars as Fairy Bon Bon. Dani, who played the legendary Tracey Beaker in the BBC series of the same name, was also a Strictly Come Dancing finalist. No stranger to the stage, Dani has starred in numerous pantomimes and musical theatre shows in the West End and on tour throughout the UK.

Dani said “I’m super excited to be back in my favourite Panto of all time, Beauty and the Beast! For those that don’t know, I have always been completely obsessed with this story, so it is a real joy for me to be bringing it to life on stage. And I adore playing the loveable and slightly bonkers Fairy Bon Bon, so cannot wait to put on my wings once more. And even more exciting to be coming to the gorgeous city of York! I can’t think of a better place to be spending the Christmas period. So, bring on the Yorkshire puddings and I really hope you enjoy our magical beauty of a show.”

Joining Dani as Fairy Bon Bon will be award-winning comedian Phil Reid as Louis La Plonk, with Dame extraordinaire and musical theatre star Leon Craig (West End credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Disney’s Aladdin) as his larger than life mum, Polly la Plonk.

Musical theatre star Phil Atkinson (The Bodyguard, Joseph & his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Little Shop of Horrors) stars as the dastardly Hugo Pompidou, with David Alcock (recent stage credits include The Mousetrap, and for TV BBC’s SAS Rogue Heroes) as Clement. Casting for Belle and the Beast will be announced shortly.

UK Productions, in their third year of producing the Grand Opera House pantomimes are pulling out all of the stops to bring their award-winning version of this timeless tale to York.

Managing Director and Producer Martin Dodd said ‘We are delighted to be returning to the beautiful Grand Opera House and even more so that we can bring one of our favourite productions for the Christmas Season. The show is filled with comedy, show stopping tunes, a cast of top musical performers, magic, and an award-winning script by Jon Monie. It’s a fantastic show for young and old and one that is sure to make your Christmas complete.’

Laura McMillan, Theatre Director for the Grand Opera House York, says “this year our Christmas is set to be a cross between a hilarious pantomime and a spectacular West End Musical, really something for everyone. The audience are in for a festive treat, with a show packed full of award-winning talent and stars from the West End.  There’s no doubt Beauty and the Beast will be a huge hit with something for all the family.”

With a cast of larger-than-life characters, an unmissable transformation moment, slide splitting comedy, stunning sets and costumes, and an award-winning script by Jon Monie (Winner Best Script – Great British Pantomime Awards 2019), join us for a must see, magnificent musical adventure.

The show will run from Saturday 7 December 2024 and will close on Sunday 5 January 2025.

Tickets start from £15.00, book early to secure the best seats by visiting atgtickets.com/york.