Further casting has been announced for this year’s magical pantomime SLEEPING BEAUTY at New Theatre Cardiff, running from Saturday 6th December to Sunday 4th January 2026.
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.
Gethin Jones is a familiar face to UK audiences, known for his charismatic presenting on shows including Blue Peter, Strictly Come Dancing, and BBC One’s The One Show. He currently co-hosts Morning Live and regularly features on BBC Radio 2 and 5 Live. Gethin recently stepped into the world of theatre to great acclaim, starring as Prince Charming in last year’s Cinderella at New Theatre Cardiff. Beyond the stage and screen, he is a passionate advocate for autism awareness, having co-founded the charity Nai, and was awarded Best Presenter by the North West Royal Television Society in 2024.
Owain Wyn Evans, known for his record-breaking 24-hour Drumathon for Children in Need – which raised over £3.8 million – continues to wake up the nation with his early breakfast show on BBC Radio 2. He’s also a rising star of BBC One’s Homes Under the Hammer and BBC Two’s Wales Home of the Year, bringing his trademark flair and humour to screens across the country. Owain won Best Newcomer to Pantomime at the 2025 Pantomime Awards for his role of Dandini in Cinderella, and is a patron of UK charity LGBT Foundation.
Mike Doyle has starred in more than 30 pantomimes and brings over four decades of entertainment experience to the stage. A New Theatre Cardiff favourite, Mike has donned the dame’s heels in Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Whether performing aboard luxury cruise liners or touring his one-man show, Mike continues to be one of the most in-demand entertainers in the UK.
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.
Michael Harrison, Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes, said……
“We’re thrilled to be returning to Cardiff with such an incredible cast. Gethin, Owain, and Mike were a smash hit in Cinderella last year, and I know audiences will be just as excited to see them bring their magic to Sleeping Beauty. Such a magical fairytale, brought to life by this brilliant Welsh cast, promises a brilliant festive treat for audiences of all ages.”
Stephan Stockton, Theatre Director of New Theatre Cardiff, added…..
“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.”
The spellbinding adventure begins at New Theatre Cardiff on Saturday 6th December. For tickets and more information go HERE.
