Barnsley Pantomime

18/08/2026

MEET THE CAST – MARY SEVERN IS FAIRY NUFF ✨

Mary is absolutely delighted to be returning to the Academy Theatre this Christmas, joining us for another magical festive season in Sleeping Beauty! 🏰✨

Mary began her theatrical journey at Dramatise Theatre School, where her passion for performing first took centre stage and where she continues to be an active and valued member of the team.

She is currently in her final year studying Musical Theatre at Mechanics Performing Arts, continuing to develop her skills across acting, singing and dance.

Mary’s recent stage credits include Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Ray in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, showcasing her versatility and growing experience as a performer.

After being part of the Academy Theatre’s festive magic previously, Mary is incredibly excited to be back for another year and can’t wait to help bring the wonderful world of Sleeping Beauty to life for our audiences this Christmas! 🎄✨

📆 3rd - 31st December 2026
🎟️ academytheatre.uk
📞 01226 744442

18/08/2026

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND… HARRY BLADON IS BACK FOR SLEEPING BEAUTY🌟

We’re absolutely delighted to welcome back our very own Harry Bladon to the Academy Theatre stage this Christmas, as he takes on the hilarious role of Nurse Nellie in Sleeping Beauty! 🏰✨

Harry trained at Mechanics Performing Arts and Take 2 Academy Theatre, developing his talents across acting, singing and dance. His training spans musical theatre jazz, commercial, street dance and tap, giving him a wonderfully versatile performance style and a natural confidence on stage.

Academy audiences will already know Harry from his much-loved performance as Buttons in Cinderella, where his quick wit, infectious energy and brilliant rapport with the audience made him a firm favourite with our panto-goers.

Harry brings warmth, enthusiasm and a fantastic sense of fun to everything he does. A generous and committed performer, he thrives on the magic of live theatre — making audiences laugh, bringing characters to life and creating those special moments that make pantomime so memorable.

After such a fantastic response to his last appearance, we couldn’t be happier to have him back where he belongs.

Welcome back, Harry! We can’t wait to see what Nurse Nellie has in store for us this Christmas… 🎄👒✨

📆 3rd - 31st December 2026
🎟️ academytheatre.uk
📞 01226 744442

03/02/2026

🎭 CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT 🎭

We’re delighted to welcome back our utterly hilarious Cev Barker, who returns to Sleeping Beauty this Christmas as the mischievous Jangles the Jester! 🤹‍♂️

This marks an incredible 19th year for Cev in Barnsley’s number one pantomime, and he can’t wait to see you all again for plenty of laughs, festive frolics, and a truly jangly good time. Expect chaos, comedy, and classic panto fun!

📆 3rd – 31st December 2026
🎟️ https://academytheatre.uk/whats-on-new/
📞 01226 744442

✨ Don’t miss it — book early and join us for a Christmas to remember! ✨

15/12/2025

15/12/2025

A trip to watch pantomime can make all the difference for theatres as they struggle to balance their books.

12/12/2025

🎉✨ Happy Panto Day! ✨🎉

It’s officially Panto Day and we’re beyond excited to be celebrating with our magical production of Cinderella at the Academy Theatre, Barnsley! 🏰🎭

Our cast, crew, and creative team have been working their fairy-godmother sparkle to bring you a show filled with laughter, music, magic, and true panto joy. Today is all about celebrating the magic of theatre and the joy it brings to our community. 💙✨

So slip on your glass slippers (carefully!), grab your tickets, and join us for a spellbinding festive adventure. It’s time to sparkle and shine! 🌟

12/12/2025

Looks like we’ve made it onto the BBC website, alongside Sleeping Beauty at the Laurence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield! Now the real question is… have they put us on TV yet, or are they saving us for prime time?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg5me7r05q8o.amp

Some theatres tell the BBC panto season can make up almost half of their annual income.