Hackney Empire Reveals Cast For 125th Anniversary Jack And The Beanstalk Pantomime

One of London’s best-loved festive traditions is getting ready to return, with Hackney Empire revealing the full company for this year’s pantomime as the theatre prepares to celebrate a particularly special Christmas season.

Jack and the Beanstalk will run from 21 November until 31 December 2026, with Olivier Award winner Clive Rowe returning to direct the production and once again take to the stage, this time playing Dame Trot as part of Hackney Empire’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

Joining him is Hackney favourite Kat B as Simple Simon Trot, marking an incredible 21st pantomime at the theatre, while Marina Lawrence-Mahrra will lead the adventure as Jack Trot alongside Summer Priest as Jill.

Louise Cielecki will appear as Fairy Firethorn with Christopher Staines playing Stephen Fleshcreep, while Andre Antonio takes on the roles of Harp and Timothy Trot; the ensemble features Ellie Greenway alongside Alanna Panditaratne, with Charlize Indigo making their professional debut alongside Charlie Scales, while Toby Seddon joins Lara Wollington and Sam Jamison.

The classic story follows Jack after a handful of magic beans sends him climbing into an enchanted world above the clouds, with the Hackney production promising plenty of comedy and music as he encounters a powerful giant and attempts to save the day.