TV star to reunite with Wakefield panto favourites for Theatre Royal's 2026 production
The Theatre Royal have annouced the returning cast for their 2026 pantomime.
Singer and presenter, Sam Nixon, and children’s TV regular and pantomime favourite, Chris Hannon, will return alongside Frankie Bounds and Chris Chilton for the theatre’s 2026 production.
This year, the much-loved panto, which is a key date in the calendar for any Wakefield resident, will be an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.
Actor and panto script writer, Chris Hannon, said: “Hiiiyyyaaaa! Yes, I’m back for another panto extravaganza at Theatre Royal Wakefield and I can’t wait.
"There will be mockery, there will be jest, there will be acting – of a fashion – and there will be lots and lots of fun!
Written by Chris for the seventh year, the production follows the people of ‘Le Wakey’ as they prepare for the town’s Summer Festival.
That is, until a mysterious beast starts stalking the woods.
Katie Town, executive director for Theatre Royal Wakefield, comments: “It’s that time of year when we start to get excited about the countdown to panto.
"This production is the biggest show of our year and is a massive attraction for audiences throughout the Wakefield district.
“Every year we have a great reaction, and this year is set to be no different.
"We are so pleased to be welcoming these familiar faces back to our stage.
"The energy, camaraderie and genuine friendship between the actors is unavoidable and really does add to the atmosphere of every show.”
Tickets for the panto, which runs from Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, January 3, are on sale now via: https://www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk/events/beauty-and-the-beast-2026