The Cresset Theatre and Stuart Morrison’s Second Star Productions are delighted to unveil the celebrity line-up for this year’s festive pantomime spectacular – Beauty and the Beast, running from 13 – 31 December 2025.
This enchanting reimagining of the beloved fairy tale promises dazzling costumes, hilarious antics, show-stopping songs, and laugh-out-loud comedy – perfect for the whole family this Christmas.
Full Cast Announcement:
- Steven Woodcock (EastEnders, Only Fools and Horses) as Father
- Mike Holoway (The Tomorrow People, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as The Beast
- Kim Taylforth (London’s Burning, Bad Girls) as The Fairy
- Hollie Boynton Briggs (The Wizard of Oz, Little Women) as Morgana
- Brandon Barrett (Award-winning comedian and magician) as Billy
- Edward Simpson (Cresset panto favourite) as Nurse La La
- Vanessa Boland (The Young Actors Company, Be Back Soon) as Beauty
Returning to The Cresset after past triumphs and welcoming new faces, this year’s cast brings together celebrated screen icons, pantomime legends, West End veterans, and exciting new talent for a magical production bursting with festive fun.
Steven Woodcock leads the cast as Beauty’s doting father. Known for his long-running roles in EastEnders and Only Fools and Horses, Steven brings his remarkable acting pedigree to the stage in Peterborough. Opposite him, Mike Holoway plays the mysterious and misunderstood Beast, following an extraordinary musical and theatrical career that includes over 4,000 performances as Joseph.
Adding sparkle and mischief, Kim Taylforth returns to The Cresset as the Good Fairy, bringing warmth, wit, and theatrical magic. Hollie Boynton Briggs unleashes her darker side as the wickedly glamorous Morgana, and Brandon Barrett makes his Cresset debut as the irrepressibly funny Billy, blending magic and mayhem. Edward Simpson reprises his much-loved dame role, this time as the fabulous Nurse La La, and Vanessa Boland completes the line up as Beauty, returning to her home stage with heartfelt charm and soaring vocals.
Set in a world of enchanted castles, magical spells, and talking furniture, Beauty and the Beast promises a spectacular blend of classic panto tradition and fresh, modern flair. Expect toe-tapping tunes, slapstick comedy, stunning visuals, and heartfelt moments as the timeless tale of inner beauty and true love comes to life.
