Cast Announced for Beauty and the Beast at Darlington Hippodrome

 

The North East’s own Matt Baker to lead the cast of Beauty And The Beast, Darlington Hippodrome’s 2026 Panto

with the return of Josh Benson and Jamie Jones

 

Josh Benson, Matt Baker, Jamie Jones

Darlington Hippodrome and Crossroads Pantomimes have today, Monday 18 May, announced that their annual pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, will star TV favourite Matt Baker. Matt will star as Jack, Belle’s brother, from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

Joining Matt will be returning Darlington panto favourites Josh Benson as Silly Billy and Jamie Jones as Mrs Potty.

 

Matt Baker

Matt Baker is best known as a presenter of Countryfile on BBC One and Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales on Channel 4. Previously, he has presented The One Show, Blue Peter and was a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing. He has been seen on stage as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

On returning to panto after four years, Matt Baker said: “I’m thrilled to be back in panto, working with Crossroads Pantomimes again to bring the magic of Beauty and the Beast to the beautiful Darlington Hippodrome and wonderful North East audiences.”

Jamie Jones

Beauty and the Beast is produced by the World’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said: “I am so pleased that Matt will be leading the cast of our Darlington Hippodrome panto this year. As well as being a familiar face on screen, Matt’s charisma, charm and North East roots make him the perfect casting for our sensational Darlington show. Joined by Darlo favourites Josh and Jamie, I know audiences will be in for something truly special this Christmas.”

Councillor Libby McCollum, cabinet member for local services at Darlington Borough Council said: “Darlington Hippodrome always draws in the crowds with a spectacular star-studded panto and I’m thrilled that Matt Baker is joining the cast this year. With the return of Darlington favourites Josh and Jaimie, I’ve no doubt audiences are going to love what promises to be a truly fantastic show.”

Josh Benson

In this classic tale Belle, longing for a better life, is taken prisoner in a cursed castle ruled by a fearsome Beast. Inside, she discovers enchanted servants under a powerful spell. As time runs out, Belle must learn to see beyond the Beast’s appearance and find love - or risk losing everything to the curse forever.

Tickets:

Beauty and the Beast will play at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405