Pinocchio returns to Shakespeare's Globe: Lee Braithwaite leads full cast for winter 2026

Pinocchio returns to the Globe Theatre at Shakespeare's Globe this winter, running from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and the full cast has now been announced. Lee Braithwaite returns in the title role, with Colm Gormley joining as Geppetto and Gabrielle Brooks as the Blue Fairy.

Who is in the cast?

Lee Braithwaite leads Pinocchio again as the wooden puppet who longs to be human. New to the cast are Colm Gormley as Geppetto, Gabrielle Brooks as the Blue Fairy, Amy Booth-Steel as Giacomo Cricket, the Coachman and the Cat, and Luke Brady as the Carpenter and Rabbit Prince Charming. Liv Alexander and Josh Butler join as ensemble and swing.

Several familiar faces are back alongside Braithwaite. Kerry Frampton returns as the Fox and Ed Gaughan as Franzini, while Lizzy Ives and Kody Mortimer return as ensemble and swing. Bartolomeo Bartolini joins Aya Nakamura and Andrea Sadler as puppeteers, and Luke Howitt and Asa Jones share the role of Boy Pinocchio.

What is the story?

Pinocchio follows Geppetto, a restless maverick who dreams of a life beyond his traditional town. He makes a magical wooden puppet, and together the pair set out to find family and discover the wonder of being human. Along the way there is plenty of live music, puppetry and festive mischief.

The musical has book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine, whose work includes Cowbois at the Royal Court and I, Joan at the Globe, and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune, whose work includes Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear at the National. Franzini material is written by Ed Gaughan.

Who is behind the show?

Pinocchio is directed by Sean Holmes, the Globe's Associate Artistic Director and former Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith. Roberta Zuric is associate director, Grace Smart designs, and Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu choreographs. Peter O'Rourke is puppetry designer and director, Tony Gayle is sound designer, and Michael Cullen and Benjamin Holder are musical directors. Orchestrations are by Zac Gvi, and casting is by Becky Paris CDG with Alice Walters.

What did the critics say last time?

Pinocchio won warm reviews in its 2025 Globe run. The Sunday Mirror called it “gorgeously enchanting”, while WhatsOnStage described it as “brimming with fun and magic” and Broadway World hailed “a radiant and heartfelt triumph”. The Guardian praised its “blissful silliness… and boisterous humour”, and the Independent called it “a wonderful festive treat”.

Those notices made it a natural pick for a return visit, and the Globe is pitching it squarely as a festive outing for all ages.

What should families know before booking?

Pinocchio is recommended for ages 5 and up, and all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and sat with them. The running time is 2 hours 10 minutes, including a 20 minute interval, and the show plays in the Globe Theatre.

Seats in the galleries range from £29 to £89, including a £3 per order transaction fee and a £1 per ticket restoration levy, and standing tickets are £5 or £10. Half price seated tickets for under 16s are available for every performance.

Relaxed performances are scheduled for 3 and 23 December, with signed performances on 17 and 27 December, audio described performances on 19 December and 2 January, and captioned performances on 20 and 30 December. The Globe is also running puppetry and drama workshops for children aged 5 to 8 and 9 to 11 from 28 November to 19 December.

Header image: official artwork