Beauty and the Beast at the New Theatre: Cardiff’s Christmas Tradition Roars Back to Life
Cardiff at Christmas has its rituals. The lights go up in the arcades, the queues form outside Wally’s, and somewhere between the first frost and the last mince pie, families make their annual pilgrimage to the New Theatre. Because Christmas in the capital doesn’t really begin until the panto curtain rises.
This year, the New Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to its historic stage — and with it, a cast who are equal parts chaos, charm, and Christmas magic. We met them all, one by one, in a morning of interviews that began with jokes, descended into giggles, and ended with a shared sense of something special brewing behind the scenes.
Jack Ryan: The Sweet Shop Scamp Returns
Jack Ryan arrives with the energy of someone who’s already halfway through a comedy routine — and in many ways, he is. Now in his third year at the New Theatre, Jack has become part of the building’s festive furniture.
“Cinderella was my first panto. I stumbled into it, loved every minute, and somehow I’m still here,” he laughs.
This year he plays Almondy, who runs a sweet shop with his mum, Betty — played, of course, by panto legend Mike Doyle. Their partnership is one of the beating hearts of Cardiff panto: warm, silly, and built on genuine friendship.
“We work so well together. On stage, off stage — we just get it. And because Mike’s playing my mum this year, we can squeeze even more material into the script.”
Jack talks about panto with the reverence of someone who knows its power. His first theatre experience as a child was a panto, and now he gets to be part of someone else’s first time.
“There’s nothing like a live audience. You rehearse for two weeks in a room with no one, then suddenly you’re in front of hundreds of people laughing. It’s magic.”
Steve Speirs: The Veteran Comes Home
If Jack brings youthful mischief, Steve Speirs brings seasoned Welsh theatrical gravitas — with a side order of dry humour. He hasn’t done panto in 14 years, and he’s equal parts excited and terrified.
“You can’t hide in panto. It’s not film. You’re communicating with a big space — and this theatre is stunning.”
Steve’s career spans 40 years, from Star Wars to Stella, and he’s recently reunited with Ruth Jones to write a new comedy, Better Late. But this Christmas, he’s stepping into the role of Monsieur Marzipan, Belle’s father — a Parisian “who came via Merthyr,” as he puts it.
He’s seen the script, and he’s buzzing.
“It’s a real traditional family panto. Incredible routines, amazing production values. Some of Mike Doyle’s dresses must’ve cost more than my divorces.”
He’s not planning a catchphrase — “I wouldn’t remember it” — but he is planning to enjoy himself.
“It’s going to be a spectacle. Something for everyone.”
Harri Lloyd‑Morgan: A Beast Is Born
Every panto needs a Beast — and this year, Cardiff gets one with operatic training, flowing hair, and the wide‑eyed excitement of someone living their dream.
Harri Lloyd‑Morgan is making his professional debut. His first job. His first time performing at the New Theatre. His first time even seeing a show there.
“I feel like I’m going to wake up at some point.”
Harri studied classical singing and opera at RWCMD, followed by a master’s in musical theatre. Now he’s stepping into one of the most iconic roles in the panto canon.
“Big boots to fill. But I’m ready. And I’m going to learn a lot.”
He hasn’t seen the script yet — which makes him the only cast member still in the dark — but he’s embracing the unknown.
“I’m taking it day by day. Living in the moment. Enjoying every second.”
Will he bring operatic flair to the Beast?
He grins.
“You’ll have to wait and see.”
Jade Davies: Cardiff’s New Belle Shines Bright
When Jade Davies enters the room, she brings a dress with her — or rather, the dress enters first. The iconic Belle ballgown is so enormous she’s perched on a hidden stool beneath it.
“I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything so massive,” she laughs. “It’s classic Belle. I’m over the moon.”
Belle is a role Jade has always wanted to play. After performing Princess Jasmine in Llandudno and touring the world with Les Misérables, she’s finally stepping into the yellow gown.
“She’s strong, independent, iconic. I’m so excited.”
This is Jade’s first time performing at the New Theatre, though she’s graced the Wales Millennium Centre many times. Meeting the cast left her “a little starstruck,” and she hasn’t seen the script yet — or her songs.
But she’s ready.
“Christmas is my favourite time of year. I go to panto every year. To be part of it now feels magical.”
Her sell for the show is simple:
“It’s bright, colourful, fun, Christmassy. Something for every family member.”
Gethin Jones: Cardiff’s Favourite Returns — With Red Trousers
Gethin Jones arrives in full costume and immediately tells us off for not dressing up.
He’s been part of Cardiff panto for years — so long, in fact, he jokes he has “a flat downstairs.” This year he plays Philippe de Boeuf, a cheeky, Gaston‑adjacent character who definitely isn’t the prince.
“I’ve played the prince for two years. Now Harry’s here with his long locks and lovely Welsh accent. Basically they’re saying, ‘Geth, you’re getting old.’”
He’s only half joking.
Gethin speaks passionately about Cardiff audiences — their loyalty, their joy, their generational connection to panto.
“Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas until you’ve seen the panto in Cardiff.”
He loves the immediacy of live performance.
“If you’re not funny, they’ll tell you. If you’re not prepared, you’ll know. That instant reaction outweighs anything I do on TV.”
And he loves the New Theatre itself — its intimacy, its history, its honey‑producing rooftop bees.
His final pitch is heartfelt:
“For two and a half hours, you can switch off from everything going on in the world. It’s hiraeth — that longing for home. And this show feels like home.”
A Christmas Tradition Worth Keeping
Five performers. Five wildly different personalities. One iconic building. One beloved story.
What emerges from their interviews is clear: Beauty and the Beast at the New Theatre isn’t just a show — it’s a celebration of Cardiff, of community, of tradition, and of the magic that happens when the lights go down and the audience leans in.
Whether it’s your first panto or your fiftieth, whether you’re coming home for Christmas or discovering the New Theatre for the first time, this year’s production promises laughter, spectacle, music, mischief, and heart.
And as every cast member told us in their own way:
There’s something for everybody.
