Clive Rowe will direct and star in Hackney Empire’s Christmas 2026 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk as the full cast is announced.
Olivier Award-winning actor Clive Rowe (The Story of Tracy Beaker, The Addams Family, Hadestown) will direct and star in Hackney Empire’s Christmas 2026 pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk – as the full cast is revealed.
Other cast members for the show include entertainer and comedian Kat B (The Wiz) and Louise Cielecki (Canvas).
Jack and the Beanstalk will run at Hackney Empire from 21 November until 31 December 2026. This year’s pantomime forms part of an especially significant festive season for the theatre, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this December, with further surprises and celebrations to be announced throughout the run.
The show follows happy-go-lucky Jack on an epic adventure after he sells his family’s beloved cow for a handful of magic beans, setting off a chain of events that leads him high into the clouds, into an enchanted land ruled by a powerful giant.
“Panto is at the heart of Hackney Empire”
Rowe said Hackney Empire panto was always the highlight of his year, and that he couldn’t wait to return both as director and to cause mischief as Dame Trot – promising a show packed with brilliant music, huge laughs and festive magic.
He said: “There’s something completely unique about the relationship between this theatre, its audiences and its pantomime, and we want to give everyone a show packed with everything they come to Hackney for: brilliant music, huge laughs, fabulous costumes and festive magic. Once again, we have a fantastic company full of jaw dropping talent, who are excited to make this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk another unforgettable Hackney pantomime for the whole family.”
Chris Sudworth, CEO of Hackney Empire said it felt fitting that Jack and the Beanstalk would carry the theatre through its 125th birthday. Sudworth said: “Pantomime is at the heart of Hackney Empire, so it feels especially fitting that Jack and the Beanstalk will take us through the theatre’s 125th birthday this December.
“Clive, Kat and this brilliant company represent so much of what audiences love about Hackney panto, and this year we intend to make the celebrations bigger still. We have a few very special surprises in store as the anniversary approaches, including some familiar faces joining us along the way, and there is much more to announce over the coming week – watch this space!”
Cast and creatives for Jack and the Beanstalk
Rowe will play Dame Trot, having played Dames at Hackney Empire for over 25 years, while Kat B will play Simple Simon Trot, and Louise Cielecki will be Fairy Firethorn.
They are joined by:
- Summer Priest (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Jill
- Christopher Staines (The Score) as Stephen Fleshcreep
- Marina Lawrence-Mahrra (Frankie Goes To Bollywood) as Jack Trot
- Andre Antonio (Romeo and Juliet) as Harp and Timothy Trot
The company is completed by ensemble members Ellie Greenway, Alanna Panditaratne, Charlize Indigo (making their professional debut), Charlie Scales, Toby Seddon, Lara Wollington and Sam Jamison.
Alongside director Rowe, the creative team includes writer Will Brenton, original music and songs by Steven Edis, set and costume design by Cleo Pettitt, musical direction by Wendy Gadian and choreography by Mike Ward.
Plan your visit to Jack and the Beanstalk
- Theatre: Hackney Empire
- Booking dates: 21 November – 31 December 2026
- Performance schedule: TBC
- Running time: TBC
- Age range: TBC
Hackney Empire, London
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