Cast Announced for Hackney Empire 25th Annual Panto

Hackney Empire has unveiled the full cast and creative team for its 25th annual pantomime, Dick Whittington and His Cat, set to run from November 23 to January 5. This year's production is directed by and stars the award-winning Clive Rowe as Sarah the Cook, continuing the theatre’s rich tradition of pantomimes.

Clive Rowe, making his 17th appearance in a Hackney pantomime, will be joined by Kat B as Thomas the Cat, also returning for his 17th performance. The talented cast includes Graham MacDuff as King Rat, Beth Sindy as Fairy Bowbells, Kandaka Moore as Dick Whittington, Tony Timberlake as Alderman Fitzwarren, Aryana Ramkhalawon as Alice Fitzwarren, and Max Mirza as Idle Jack.

The ensemble features Jemima Dawes, Olivia Kate Holding, Wilson Kiiru, Nicole Reeves, Alfie Simmons, Fraser Stewart, and Lauren Wadsworth.

Dick Whittington and His Cat tells the story of Dick's journey to London in search of fame and fortune, encountering a host of lively characters and exciting adventures along the way. This year's production celebrates Hackney Empire’s 25th pantomime since reviving the tradition with Aladdin in 1988, following the venue’s transformation from a bingo hall back to a fully functioning theatre.

The script is written by BAFTA Award-winner Will Brenton, marking his fourth collaboration with Hackney. The show’s music, composed by Steve Edis, who has been creating original scores for Hackney pantomimes since 1988, will feature new songs for this production. The creative team includes Cleo Pettitt for costumes and design, Alex Maynard as musical director, Shay Barclay as choreographer, Tim Mitchell as lighting designer, and Yvonne Gilbert as sound designer.