Showing at the Alban Arena…
Don’t miss this year’s spectacular pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, starring King of the Jungle, Dancing on Ice winner, TV Legend and Social Media sensation, JOE SWASH!
Joining Joe Swash is Michael J Batchelor, who will play the fabulous Madame Bellie Fillop in Beauty and the Beast.
Also joining the cast is West End actor KANE OLIVER PARRY, whose theatre credits include Matilda (RSC & West End), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Wicked.
The cast also welcomes Lottie Stone and Phoebe Nixon!
A Musical Theatre graduate, Lottie Stone previously performed as Alice in Evolution Productions’ Dick Whittington last year and will take on the role of Belle.
Phoebe Nixon is a St Albans local and graduate of London College of Music, has been Lead Production Vocalist for Headliners Theatre Company and is delighted to be playing the role of Fairy Cupid.
Once again, the show will be written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution Productions, the same award-winning team who brought you the five-star smash hit, Aladdin.
This fairy-tale extravaganza promises to be full of hilarious comedy, fantastic music and lavish sets and costumes… a BEAST of a pantomime!
It’s never too early to book for your family’s perfect festive treat, so don’t miss out on the magic!
BSL Performance Available on Saturday 5th December at 6pm
Relaxed Show Available on Saturday 12th December at 11am – During Relaxed performances, elements of the show adapt to reduce anxiety and stress. These performances welcome those who would like to see the show in a less formal atmosphere. Whilst the narrative of the show does not change, we make small adjustments to sound levels and special effects. We operate an ‘open door’ policy, allowing free movement in and out of the auditorium during the performance. These changes to the performance aim to benefit those on the autistic spectrum, younger audiences, those living with dementia, or those with learning difficulties or additional needs.
The Cast
For more than two decades, Joe Swash has been one of the UK’s most loved and recognisable television personalities. From his role in EastEnders to a successful career as a presenter, broadcaster and author, Joe has become a familiar face across British entertainment, winning audiences over with his trademark warmth, humour and authenticity.
After winning I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Joe went on to become a regular presenter of I’m a Celebrity: Extra Camp, cementing his reputation as one of the UK’s most engaging and naturally entertaining hosts. Most recently, he stars in the BBC series Stacey & Joe, offering viewers a candid, funny and heartfelt insight into family life.
Alongside his television career, Joe is a bestselling cookbook author and has fronted his own Channel 4 cooking series, showcasing his passion for accessible, family-friendly food. His love of cooking, DIY, the outdoors and family life has helped him build a highly engaged social media community of more than 2.1 million Instagram followers.
Michael is an actor, presenter, drag performer, pantomime dame, writer, director, costume designer/maker and sausage dog parent!!
His career began as a Butlin’s Red Coat, going on to work at the Alton Towers Resort as it’s outrageous hotel manageress, Tanya Hyde. A drag persona that’s taken him across the Uk and abroad.
This is Michael’s 27th year of pantomime damehood. Designing/making costumes and wigs for himself and many of the best dames in the business. This won him a Contribution to History, Tradition and Heritage award from the Pantomime Association in 2024.
Michael has also written and directed panto for many companies including Butlin’s, where he spent nine years co-producing and performing in their year round pantomimes.
In 2023, he played his dream role, Edna Turnblad at the prestigious Kilworth House Theatre in the first open air production of Hairspray.
More recently, he’s become a presenter onboard P&O Cruises for “The Animal Guyz”, who create award winning shows about animals and endangered species.
This is Michael’s 15th year with Evolution Productions which has led to him appearing with Stephen Mulhern on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, as well as many other television appearances.
Phoebe is thrilled to be joining the cast of Beauty and the Beast this Christmas in her hometown!
Phoebe is a professional performer and vocalist with a First-Class degree in Musical Theatre from the London College of Music. Her career has taken her around the world, performing as a Lead Production Vocalist aboard luxury cruise liners including Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, P&O Cruises and Saga Cruises.
Her theatre credits include playing Roxie Heart in Roxie Rocks Chicago with the London Cabaret Club, as well as performing as a duet partner for Jason Donovan during his solo concert. She has also performed at prestigious venues including Harrods, The Ivy and Annabel’s as part of jazz trio The Roxys.
Alongside her performing career, Phoebe runs her own wedding and event vocalist business, performing at celebrations across the UK.
She is so excited to be back on stage this Christmas and especially delighted to be performing in her new hometown of St Albans. She can’t wait to bring some sparkle, mischief and a little bit of Cupid magic to the show!
You can follow Phoebe’s adventures on Instagram at @phoebenixonvocals.
Lottie trained at the Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama, graduating with a Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre.
Credits include; Alice in DICK WHITTINGTON (Evolution Productions); Character performer in DISNEYLAND PARIS (Disney); ‘Nickie’ in SWEET CHARITY (Dir. Harry & Megan Hindley); ‘Cathy’ in THE LAST 5 YEARS (Dir. Katie Fun & Jon Orton); ‘Lead vocalist’ in A-Z OF MUSICAL THEATRE (Dir. Mark Hedges, Tori Robyn, Kelvin Towse, Luke Haywood); ‘Amelia’ in THE TRIALS (Dir. Tom Hopcroft & Katie Lawson); ‘Featured Vocalist’ in THE NEXT CHAPTER (Dir. Mark Hedges, Graeme Pickering) and ‘Tilly’ in BABIES! for the British Youth Musical Theatre (Dir. Martha Geelan, Jack Godfrey & Ellie Jones).
Lottie is thrilled to be returning to Evolution Productions this year and would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support.
Represented by Alliston Taylor.
Training: Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Theatre Credits: Matilda (West End); Nerds (Edinburgh fringe festival); Beautiful (UK Tour); Oklahoma (BBC Proms/Royal Albert Hall); Carousel (English National Opera/Coliseum); Wicked (West End); Sweeney Todd (English National Opera/Coliseum); Urinetown (West End); The Light Princess (National Theatre, Lyttelton Theatre); Cool Rider (West End); We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour).
Other Credits: Beyond The Circle Workshop (National Theatre Studios); Nerds Workshop (The Other Palace); What’s New Pussycat? (Glasshill Studios); Falklands Workshop (National Theatre Studios); Assisted Suicide Workshop (National Theatre Studios); Prurience Workshop (National Theatre Studios); Pieces of String Workshop (Tristan Bates Arts Centre)
Cast Recordings: The Light Princess Cast Album (Universal)
TV & Film: Matilda Movie (Netflix)
