Venue Cymru and Imagine Theatre have announced that television favourite Jack P Shepherd will star in Sleeping Beauty, the venue’s Christmas pantomime for 2026.
Best known for his award-winning role as David Platt in ITV’s Coronation Street, Shepherd has been a familiar face on British television for more than 25 years. In 2025, he was crowned winner of Celebrity Big Brother.
Amanda Guy, Section Head at Venue Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jack P Shepherd to Venue Cymru for Sleeping Beauty. Jack is one of the country’s most recognisable and popular television stars, and we’re delighted that he will be making his pantomime debut with us in Llandudno. Our audiences can look forward to another magical festive production packed with laughter, music and family fun.”
Jack P Shepherd said: “I’m delighted to be joining the cast in Llandudno this festive season and can’t wait to entertain audiences in this year’s pantomime.”
Shepherd joins previously announced Llandudno favourites John Evans and Simon Neehan, who will reunite for the 2026 production.
Nominated for a UK Pantomime Award for Best Comic in 2023, Evans has built a reputation for his comic timing and live performances across the UK and internationally. His screen credits include The Jonathan Ross Show, The Big Breakfast, The Responder and G’Wed.
Neehan has appeared in productions across the UK, including numerous pantomimes. His television credits include The Crown, The Pembrokeshire Murders, Casualty, Merlin and Hapless.
Speaking about his return, Evans said: “I always get very excited in the build-up to panto at Venue Cymru. After so many wonderful years performing at this theatre, it’s fabulous and always makes me feel like I’m going home for Christmas!” And on working with Simon again he joked: “Simon, Simon who…? Just kidding, Simon makes going into rehearsals a joy. He’s a team player and I love that; we share a very similar sense of humour. He’s one of the best dames in the business. What can I say? He’s the Ant to my Dec!”
Neehan added: “From day one of meeting John, we just clicked. We have the same sense of humour and from the moment we start rehearsals we are like giggling schoolboys. We send jokes or ideas for jokes to each other all year now. I’m really excited to be coming back this year. I love Llandudno. I’ve absolutely fallen for the town and the audiences at Venue Cymru. And who doesn’t want to be by the sea at Christmas?”
Produced by the award-winning Imagine Theatre, Sleeping Beauty promises all the ingredients audiences have come to expect from Venue Cymru’s festive pantomime, including a side-splitting comic, an outrageous dame, a delightfully devious baddie, spectacular musical numbers and plenty of slapstick fun for all ages.
The classic fairytale follows Princess Beauty after the wicked fairy Carabosse places an evil curse upon her, sending her into an enchanted sleep. The question is whether anyone can rescue her before it is too late.
Sleeping Beauty runs at Venue Cymru from 12 December 2026 to 2 January 2027.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
