Liverpool Everyman's rock 'n' roll Beauty and the Beast: full cast

Liverpool Everyman has announced the full cast and creative team for Beauty and the Beast, its brand new rock 'n' roll pantomime for 2026. Rehearsals have begun, and the show opens on Saturday 14 November 2026, running until Wednesday 6 January 2027, with its press night on Wednesday 18 November.

The rock 'n' roll panto has been a highlight of Liverpool's cultural diary for more than 45 years, and this year's tale is written by Joe Ward Munrow and directed for the first time by Nathan Powell, Creative Director of the Everyman and Playhouse theatres.

The cast

The company of actor musicians mixes familiar faces with new talent: Bethan Aitken, Henry Brennan, Amy Bastani, Adryne Caulder James, Damien James, Sorrel Jordan, Adam Keast, Izzy Neish, Adam Scott Pringle, Liam Tobin and Zoe West. Henry Brennan is also the playing musical director, and Adam Keast doubles as creative associate.

The creative team

• Writer: Joe Ward Munrow
• Director: Nathan Powell
• Set and costume designer: Ellie Light
• Musical supervisor and arranger: Greg Last
• Musical director (playing): Henry Brennan
• Choreographer: Rebecca Levy
• Lighting designer: Joshie Harriette
• Sound designer: Ian Davies
• Associate sound designer: Rob Newman
• Creative associate: Adam Keast
• Casting director: Yvonne Lawlor
• Assistant director: Beth Frances
• YEP trainee assistant director: Juliette Collins

Joe Ward Munrow is an award winning playwright who has been based in Liverpool for over twenty years. In 2025 he was the first winner of the Robert Holman Award, and he lectures in scriptwriting at Manchester Metropolitan University. His work for the Everyman and Playhouse includes The Legend of Ned Ludd, Dogs and Held, and elsewhere he has written Screaming Heart, which won the Mercury Weinberger playwriting award, and The Busker for BBC Radio 4.

Nathan Powell previously ran the National Student Drama Festival and co founded New Step Theatre with Munrow in 2022; their production of Dogs sold out the Playhouse Studio that year. His directing credits include Sucker Punch at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch and The Mountaintop for Leicester Curve and on tour, and he wrote the Everyman's hit Takeaway in 2025.

What to expect

Expect a riot of riffs, rhythm and romance. The show is billed as part rock concert, part pop spectacular and all out family fun, made just for Liverpool, with a live band, powerhouse vocals, electrifying tunes and some wild costumes: the fairytale everyone knows, turned all the way up to eleven.

Powell said: “The joyful chaos of our Rock 'n' Roll panto is one of the highlights of our year at the Liverpool Everyman. It's deeply rooted in the area's musical tradition and showcases the very best of our city. I can't wait to introduce audiences to our live band and our incredible cast who will bring this well loved tale to life in time honoured fashion but with that extra sparkle of Everyman Christmas magic.”

When does it run?

From Saturday 14 November 2026 to Wednesday 6 January 2027, with evening performances from Monday to Saturday at 7pm. Press night is Wednesday 18 November at 7pm.

Are there accessible performances?

Yes. British Sign Language interpreted performances are on Wednesday 18 November and Friday 18 December, there is a captioned performance on Saturday 5 December, and an audio described performance on Wednesday 9 December.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. It is pitched as all out family fun, though it promises to be a little naughty and a lot loud.

For more on what is playing across the city this season, see our guide to Liverpool theatre, or catch up on the cast of Cherry Jezebel, another Everyman premiere.