Rehearsals begin for Doncaster's festive pantomime at Cast
The show runs from November to January
Rehearsals have begun for Doncaster’s 2026-27 pantomime, Dick Whittington and His Cat, which is being staged at Cast.
The festive season is fast approaching, and excitement is building at the Sir Nigel Gresley Square venue as rehearsals officially begin for this year’s highly anticipated family show.
The talented cast and creative team have gathered in Doncaster, and the atmosphere is already full of panto magic, non-stop laughs and great camaraderie as the company dives into bringing this classic rags-to-riches tale to life.
Written by Neil Hurst and directed by Tess Seddon – both returning after 2025’s Cinderella and 2024’s Jack and the Beanstalk – Dick Whittington and His Cat is a hilarious production that will delight all ages.
Audiences can expect fantastic musical numbers, under the guidance of Musical Director Sonum Batra, with a score packed with hits that everyone, from grandparents to grandkids, will be tapping their feet to.
In the central role of Dick Whittington is Harry Gascoigne, back for his third Cast panto, after a year away last year.
Dick’s mother, the iconic role of Dame Sarah the Cook, will be played by Ben Eagle.
Want more stories like this? Click here to get our daily newsletter
This marks Ben’s fourth year as a dame at Cast, after Cinderella (2025), Jack and the Beanstalk (2024) and Beauty and the Beast (2023).
They’re joined by a strong principal cast: Adam Porter Smith, who last year played Cassie in Cinderella, returns as Shopkeeper Fitzy; the evil Queen Ratella will be played by Kimberley Ensor; The Spirit of the Bells will be brought to glamorous, glittering life by Grant McIntyre; and Fitzy’s daughter, Alice, will be played by Kat Chatterton.
The production is further supported by a skilled Senior Ensemble comprising Catherine Hutchinson, Keiran Constable, and Anushka Basu - who will also be playing Tommy the Cat. These performers, who come from top institutions and touring productions, will also serve as vital understudies for the principal roles, making sure the magic never stops throughout the Christmas season.
Dick Whittington and His Cat promises to be an unforgettable Christmas treat for the entire family.
Book your tickets now at castindoncaster.com or call the box office on 01302 303959.
Dates: 27 November 2026 – 03 January 2027.