Jack & the Beanstalk

Fee-fi-fo-FUN!

Get ready to climb into Christmas 2026/27 as Blackpool’s No.1 pantomime returns with a colossal, comedy-packed 3D production of Jack and the Beanstalk, bigger, bolder and utterly bean-credible!

It is never too early to book Christmas magic. The most popular dates and best views are always the first to disappear, so now is the time to secure your perfect seats.

This year’s incredible cast brings together television favourites, West End experience, award-winning comedy and some of The Grand’s most popular pantomime performers. Coronation Street favourite Lisa George leads the company as the magical Spirit of the Beans, alongside Blackpool panto legend, ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist and UK Pantomime Awards 2025 ‘Best Comic’ winner Steve Royle as Silly Simon. Grand Theatre favourite Ben Harlow returns as the fabulous Dame Trott, while Les Misérables star Shaun Dalton makes his Blackpool pantomime debut as the villainous Fleshcreep. Completing the line-up are 2026 Pantomime Awards winner Ruth Betteridge as Jill Pickle and Heathers: The Musical star Louis Hearsey as Jack Trott.

Also returning to the stage are the talented young performers from Blackpool’s Barbara Jackson Theatre Arts Centre, whose special relationship with The Grand’s pantomime stretches back to 1999. Their energy, precision and sheer joy have become a much-loved part of the production, bringing its biggest musical numbers to life while continuing a proud tradition of giving local young talent the chance to perform on one of the country’s most beautiful stages.

A panto packed with more magic than Jack’s beans

Blackpool’s No.1 pantomime is renowned for delivering festive entertainment on a truly impressive scale. A clever, laugh-loaded script, infectious songs and show-stopping choreography come together with first-class direction, breathtaking lighting, stunning costumes and magnificent sets.

The Grand’s incredible immersive 3D sequences will send giants stomping, magical creatures soaring and Jack’s adventure bursting beyond the stage and into the auditorium. Prepare to duck, gasp, cheer and scream with laughter as the story climbs into the clouds around you.

Returning to The Grand for the first time in more than 20 years, this much-loved tale has been reimagined for a new generation, combining the warmth and glorious silliness of traditional pantomime with the pace, ambition and visual spectacle of a major modern production.

Meet the cast

Lisa George brings more than three decades of television and stage experience to the magical role of the Spirit of the Beans. Best known to millions as Beth Tinker in ITV’s Coronation Street, Lisa’s screen credits also include Casualty, Holby City and Emmerdale, as well as reaching the final of ITV’s Dancing on Ice. Her warmth, humour and unmistakable stage presence make her the perfect guide for this giant festive adventure.

Blackpool panto legend Steve Royle is back to cause beautifully organised chaos as Silly Simon. A comedian, actor, radio presenter and variety performer, Steve won over millions as a finalist on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent before being crowned ‘Best Comic’ at the UK Pantomime Awards 2025. His quick-fire improvisation, whirlwind physical comedy and brilliant connection with audiences have made him one of the most loved performers in The Grand’s pantomime history.

Ben Harlow steps into the fabulous heels of Dame Trott, following his hugely popular Grand Theatre performance as Widow Twankey in Aladdin. Ben’s musical theatre credits include the UK and Ireland tour of Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. He returns with his trademark warmth, razor-sharp wit, outrageous glamour and a wardrobe that may need its own postcode.

Fresh from performing around the world in the 40th anniversary World Arena Tour of Les Misérables, acclaimed stage star Shaun Dalton makes his Blackpool pantomime debut as the deliciously evil Fleshcreep. Shaun’s career has included covering Javert in the West End production of Les Misérables, playing the Beast in the UK and international tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and appearing in Kinky Boots and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. After years of playing princes and heroes, he is ready to scheme, snarl and swagger across The Grand’s stage as his first-ever pantomime villain.

Award-winning performer Ruth Betteridge returns to The Grand as Jill Pickle, eight years after delighting Blackpool audiences as Wendy in Peter Pan. Ruth won Best Secondary Lead at the Pantomime Awards 2026 for her acclaimed performance as Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk at Malvern Theatres. Her career also includes The Princess Proms, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular and performing as a soprano soloist alongside Andrea Bocelli for BBC Children in Need.

Taking centre stage as the adventurous Jack Trott is Louis Hearsey, fresh from playing J.D. in the UK tour of Heathers. Trained at Guildford School of Acting, Louis’s credits also include I Was a Teenage She-Devil at The Other Palace and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He previously appeared at The Grand in Beauty and the Beast and now returns with the voice, charisma and infectious energy to lead this sky-high adventure.

Make it part of your Christmas

From the excitement of arriving at The Grand to the moment the curtain rises, Jack and the Beanstalk promises huge laughs, breathtaking surprises and precious time shared with family and friends.

Performances run from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with tickets from just £18, so you won’t need to flog the family cow to join the fun!

Recommended for ages 3+.

Content warning: Contains strobe lighting, smoke, pyrotechnics and loud sound effects. These elements are adapted for the Relaxed Performance.