Jo Osmond Returns to Cardiff: Behind the Scenes, and Back in Villain Mode
Cardiff’s New Theatre is welcoming home one of its own this Christmas. Actress Jo Osmond, who first performed on the New Theatre stage 19 years ago, is back in the city for this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.
What follows is a full, detailed feature capturing Jo’s homecoming, her love of panto, her villainous turn as Madame Spike, and the wonderfully upbeat, random, and very human conversation we shared.
⭐ A Cardiff Homecoming 19 Years in the Making
Jo’s connection to Cardiff is woven into her story. She grew up here, trained here, and first stepped onto the New Theatre stage in 2007 as one of the seven dwarves in Snow White — performing alongside her mum and brother.
That production still hangs on the theatre wall. Jo found the photo just before our interview, snapping a picture of her younger self, her mum, and her brother. It’s a full‑circle moment she’s clearly proud of.
Now living in Los Angeles, Jo returns to the UK each winter for pantomime season. This year, she’s stepping into the wicked shoes of Madame Spite, the villainous enchantress in Beauty and the Beast — a role she’s grown to love.
🎤 The Interview (Extended, Edited for Clarity with Audio at Base of Page)
Q: And you found your photo from 2007 downstairs?
A: Yes! I was one of the seven dwarves in Snow White with my mum and brother. Seeing that photo again was surreal. I’m from Cardiff originally, so it’s lovely coming back.
Q: You live in America now — how did that happen?
A: I moved to California a few years ago. It sounds glamorous, but trust me, it’s not always. I love the sunshine though. And I perform a lot out there — including panto, which I didn’t know existed in America until the pandemic.
Q: Wait — panto in California?
A: Yes! There’s a British producer who runs pantos in three theatres. I did Robin Hood with all British actors and an American audience who didn’t really understand panto rules. It was hilarious.
Q: Let’s talk about Beauty and the Beast. Who are you playing?
A: I’m playing Madame Spite — the wicked enchantress. I’ve played the Good Fairy before, but this year I’m very much the opposite. I’ve been practicing my evil laugh. It’s pretty demonic.
Q: Go on then — give us the evil laugh.
A: (laughs) You might be petrified. But okay… [she performs a genuinely unsettling villain laugh]. A little tease for you!
(Listen to the Audio at the base of this Article for that!)
Q: You’ve been typecast a lot over the years — how does it feel playing the villain now?
A: I love it. I used to get cast as Tinker Bell all the time because I’m small. I did four years of Peter Pan and thought I’d never leave Neverland. Then I got to diversify — Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin, Good Fairy in Beauty and the Beast. But villain roles? They’re the most fun.
Q: And you’ve come all the way from America to do this show?
A: Yes — I always come back for panto. It’s my favourite thing. There’s nothing like a British audience.
Q: Speaking of audiences — Cardiff is known for being loud and lively. Looking forward to that?
A: I can’t wait. My Cardiff accent is going to come back immediately. My drama teacher is coming, my school friends, my family — everyone has no excuse this year.
Q: Have you worked with Gethin Jones before?
A: No, but he was always my favourite Blue Peter presenter. He was the Welsh one! I’ve heard lovely things about him. And Mike Doyle — I know his son Tommy, who worked crew when I was here 19 years ago. Small world.
Q: You’re in full panto makeup today — is this the villain look?
A: Yes, though the costume didn’t arrive. I was planning to be in full villain glam just for you! But the makeup is here, so you get half the effect.
Q: What can audiences expect from this version of Beauty and the Beast?
A: It’s a brand‑new script — I haven’t even seen it yet. So it’ll be a surprise for me too. Beauty and the Beast isn’t done as often as Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, so it feels fresh.
Q: It’s set in France — how’s your French?
A: Oh, terrible. But who’s going to know? It’ll be Cardiff really. We’ve got a castle — close enough.
Q: Panto schedules can be intense. How do you handle the endurance?
A: I love it. Theatre is different every night. Panto lets you react to the audience. The school shows are my favourite — the kids are so interactive. Rehearsals are the hard part; once the show is running, it’s just fun.
Q: You mentioned friendships — is panto really that close‑knit?
A: Absolutely. Some of my best friends are people I met doing panto 12 years ago. It’s a proper family. And there are people working here now who were here when I performed 19 years ago. It’s lovely.
Q: Any favourite lines you’re hoping make it into the script?
A: I’ll leave that to the writers. But maybe we can get “behind the scenes of behind the scenes” in there somewhere!
🎟️ Tickets
Tickets for Beauty and the Beast at New Theatre Cardiff are available now via the theatre’s website.
We’ll also be speaking with more members of the cast in the coming weeks — bringing you backstage stories, interviews, and festive panto fun as the season unfolds.