Awen and TaleGate Announce Cast for This Year's Pantomime

Awen Cultural Trust and TaleGate Theatre Productions have announced the cast of its 2026 pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, which will bring festive magic to Maesteg Town Hall and the Met in Abertillery this Christmas.

As well as giving schools and families the opportunity to enjoy high-quality live theatre at their local venue, the production is supporting a cast of performers at different stages of their careers, a commitment Awen made in its five-year strategy. 

Bringing together recent graduates, developing artists, experienced professionals and returning Awen favourites, the pantomime is creating valuable opportunities to perform for audiences across South Wales.

Maesteg-born Olivia Thomas will make her pantomime debut in the leading role of Belle. After discovering her love of performing in her hometown, Olivia Thomas trained in musical theatre and professional dance at Bird College Conservatoire before completing a master’s degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. She recently appeared in Guys and Dolls at the Sherman Theatre, where she also served as Dance Captain.

Returning for a second year is JJ Bennett, who will play Daffyd Dwl following his appearance in Awen’s 2025 pantomime, Rapunzel. A graduate of the inaugural BA Musical Theatre course at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, his credits include the short film Like Braille and stage productions including The Snow Queen, Carrie the Musical and Sunday in the Park with George.

Audience favourite Vern Griffiths will bring Dame Cerys Cwtch to life. An experienced performer whose career spans more than 30 years, Vern was a familiar face in pantomime at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl for around 15 years. He also presents Vern’s Film Club at Y Muni in Pontypridd, demonstrating the varied creative opportunities available across Awen’s venues.

Welsh soprano Tara Camm takes on the role of Witch Hazel. Originally from Swansea, Tara recently graduated from the David Seligman Opera School at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Tara’s experience includes opera, concert performances and competing on Y Llais as part of Sir Bryn Terfel’s team. Tara is also the recipient of the Dame Shirley Bassey Scholarship.

Jordan Allan, who will play the Prince and the Beast, is no stranger to the Met stage, having previously performed there with Abertillery Youth Drama and Music Society. Alongside his performing career, Jordan works as an Expressive Arts Teacher at Willows High School in Cardiff, inspiring young people while continuing to develop his own creative practice.

Completing the announced cast is Jacob Rosoman as Gaviscon. Following training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Jacob has worked in immersive theatre and recently performed as an actor and singer with Marella Cruises. Beauty and the Beast will mark his pantomime debut.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive at Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“Pantomime brings people together, introduces children and families to live theatre and creates important paid opportunities for performers and creative professionals.

“We are particularly proud that this year’s cast includes artists at different stages of their careers, from recent graduates making their pantomime debuts to established performers returning to Awen’s venues. It is especially meaningful to welcome Maesteg-born Olivia back to her hometown in the leading role of Belle.

“Supporting creative careers means giving people opportunities to gain professional experience, develop their skills, reach new audiences and build lasting relationships with venues and creative partners. We cannot wait for audiences in Maesteg and Abertillery to meet this talented cast.”

James Worthington, Artistic Director at TaleGate Theatre Productions added:

“One of the things I love most about pantomime is the way it brings people together. At TaleGate, we’re committed to supporting local talent and telling stories that feel like they belong in the communities where we perform. Being able to bring Beauty and the Beast to Maesteg and Abertillery is a real privilege. We want audiences to enjoy a brilliant night of entertainment, but also to feel that this is their show, in their venue, with a real connection to the people and places around them.”

Beauty and the Beast will be performed at the Met from 3rd to 6th December and at Maesteg Town Hall from 11th to 27th December. Tickets are available from www.awenboxoffice.com.