Further casting has been announced for this year’s magical pantomime Sleeping Beauty at New Theatre Cardiff, running from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
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Joining previously announced panto stars Gethin Jones, Owain Wyn Evans and Mike Doyle are Jack Ryan as Muddles, Jalisa Phoenix-Roberts as Carabosse, and Emma Kirk as Princess Aurora.
Returning to the New Theatre stage by popular demand, Jack Ryan takes on the role of Muddles after charming Cardiff audiences in Cinderella last Christmas. A well-loved pantomime performer and comedy favourite, Jack brings boundless energy, quick wit and a natural rapport with audiences of all ages. Away from panto, he is a popular entertainer on the UK after-dinner circuit and regularly headlines aboard the world’s most prestigious cruise lines, as well as performing internationally at some of the finest hotel and golf resorts.
Also returning is South Wales native Jalisa Phoenix-Roberts, who thrilled audiences last year as Claudia the Wicked Stepsister. A first language Welsh speaker and graduate of Laine Theatre Arts, Jalisa has worked extensively across stage and screen, with credits including The Life (Southwark Playhouse), Gotta Banksy (Sherman Theatre), Nativity the Musical (UK Tour), and The Snow Spider(CBBC). She is also a familiar voice on BBC Radio Cymru as part of the podcast trio Mel, Mal a Jal.
Joining the cast as Princess Aurora is Welsh musical theatre star Emma Kirk. A graduate of the Guildford School of Acting, Emma’s recent roles include Cinderella (Victoria Theatre Halifax), Snow White (Swansea Grand), and Sophie in Mamma Mia! for Royal Caribbean. She has also performed at Southwark Playhouse, The Other Palace, and with Welsh National Opera.
Sleeping Beauty will be produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind last year’s record-breaking Cinderella at New Theatre Cardiff.
On the casting, Stephan Stockton, Theatre Director of New Theatre Cardiff, said:
“After welcoming the cast for last year’s record-breaking pantomime, it’s a joy to see so many Cardiff panto favourites returning for this year’s season, and to welcome local performer Emma Kirk, who joins the company for the first time. We can’t wait to have the gang back together for Sleeping Beauty in what promises to be our best panto at New Theatre Cardiff yet.”
Once upon a time in a land far away, Princess Aurora is given a twenty-first birthday present by her evil aunt Carabosse. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years.
Can true love survive and Prince Gethin break the spell? Who will outwit the evil Enchantress and foil her wicked plans? All will be revealed in this spectacular panto packed with magic, music, comedy and special effects!
The spellbinding adventure begins at New Theatre Cardiff on Saturday 6 December 2025. For tickets and more information, visit newtheatrecardiff.co.uk. Don’t get caught snoozing, book your tickets now!
