Beauty And The Beast

Get ready for a magical, laugh-out-loud family treat as our 2026 panto, Beauty And The Beast, bursts onto the Derngate stage!

Don’t miss this year’s spectacular, fun-filled family pantomime, Beauty And The Beast, starring TV legend, Steve McFadden (EastEnders) as the booable baddie Grumblewart and iconic children’s TV star Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker) as Fairy Cupid! Pantomime favourite Sam Rabone, who is also co-directing this year’s show, will play our Dame, Madame Bellie Fillop.

Returning to Northampton, Dave Bibby joins the cast playing Phillipe Fillop, having previously been seen as Buttons in Royal & Derngate’s Cinderella two years ago. The principal cast will be completed by Georgia Brierley-Smith (Tinkerbell in last year’s Peter Pan) as Belle, Christian Southway as the Beast and Prince Henri, and US actor Sage Spiker making his UK panto debut as Danton.

Beauty And The Beast will, once again, be written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution Productions, the same award-winning team that brought you last year’s smash-hit pantomime.

As always, the Royal & Derngate pantomime promises to be top-quality, hilarious, 5-star entertainment, packed with laugh-out-loud thrills, stunning costumes, lavish sets and fabulous music.

It’s never too early to book, and this BEAUTY is one you won’t want to miss!

YOUTH ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS
Saturday 18 July, 10am, Royal & Derngate

In partnership with Evolution Productions, we are looking for girls aged between 9 and 14 to be part of the Youth Ensemble for this year’s pantomime. 

To audition you must be between the ages of 9 and 14 (inclusive) on 31 January 2027, be under 5 feet tall, and available for the rehearsal period and full run of the production from Sat 21 November to Thu 31 December.

Auditions will end approximately 2 hours after the start time but you may need to stay longer if you are successful. You don’t need to prepare anything – you’ll be taught a routine on the day.

Come wearing comfortable clothes and soft/dance shoes. We advise that you bring some water, but no other food or drink.

Please download a registration form here, complete, print it out, and bring it with you on the day of the auditions.

If you require any further information, please do contact Evolution at:  [email protected]

What the press had to say about last year’s pantomime, The All New Adventures Of Peter Pan:

★★★★★ “Outstanding… Magical!” What’s Good To Do

★★★★★ “All-round top quality family entertainment” Northants Mag

“A joyous production the whole family will love” Muddy Stilettos

★★★★ “Magical and mesmerising” Theatre and Tonic

Pre-Show Afternoon Tea

Indulge in a tale as old as time, with our enchanting Beauty And The Beast inspired afternoon tea during week commencing Mon 21 December. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, sweet and savoury treats, warm brews and a touch of magic! This afternoon tea package includes sandwiches, sweet and savoury treats, and unlimited tea/coffee/juices.

Add this magical experience onto your order at checkout, or get in touch with our Box Office to add to a pre-existing order.

Full Menu Includes

• Finger sandwiches with a mixture of fillings
• Sausage roll
• Brie and cranberry vol au vent
• Scones with Roddas clotted cream and Tiptree strawberry jam
• Triple chocolate brownie
• Vanilla traybake slice
• Meringue kiss

Adult and child options, with dietary requirements catered for including vegan, gluten free etc.

Access Enhanced Performance

Audio Described & Touch Tour
The performance on Wed 16 December 6pm and Mon 28 December 1pm will be Audio Described. (Touch Tour begins one hour before).

BSL Interpreted
The performances on Tue 15 December 6pm and Wed 30 December 1pm will be BSL interpreted.

Captioned
The performance on Sun 20 December 1pm will be Captioned

Relaxed

The performance on Sun 6 December 1pm will be Relaxed

Please click here for Access Performance Information

Group Rates

Group Performances

*All bookings must be paid in full by 30 October 2026.