Beauty and the Beast CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME 2026

Written by Chris Hannon. Directed by Matt Aston.

Choreographed by Louise Denison. Musical Direction by Jim Lunt.

Open Auditions for Chorus: Sunday 6 September 2026

9am-4pm at Theatre Royal Wakefield (some children may leave around lunchtime but others will stay with us all day).

Performed: Tuesday 24 November 2026-Sunday 3 January 2027

Ages: Boys 9-17 (aged 17 or under until final show)

Girls 9-15 (aged 15 or under until final show)

AUDITION INFORMATION

Our annual pantomime is the biggest event of the year at Theatre Royal Wakefield!

We are looking for 9–15-year-old girls and 9–17-year-old boys (must be at least 9 by opening night and no older than 15/17 until the final show) who have strong dance technique, can act with character and personality and sing. The chorus will play a crucial role, working alongside a professional cast, in making the show spectacular.

We are looking for three chorus teams with six performers per team. Each team is named RED, BLUE or YELLOW.

What happens on audition day?

Pantomime auditions are great fun for everyone who attends, and new friends are often made. Young people see it as an opportunity to showcase their skills and talents in a safe, inclusive, supportive and friendly space. Our DBS checked chaperones are on-hand all day to welcome and support throughout. There will be a high volume of people auditioning, and unfortunately not everyone will be successful. It is therefore important that parents and carers work with the theatre to manage children’s expectations.

To begin, everyone will have the opportunity to sing and dance in groups with our Musical Director and Choreographer.

Later in the day, some auditionees will be selected to stay on for the remainder of the audition and others are permitted to go home. Anyone who stayed until the end will be notified the week following auditions if they have been given a place in a team, and parents will need to complete additional paperwork.

Please note that we will not be able to give individual feedback after the audition.

Parents must ensure they are contactable throughout the day, at all times, as finishing times will vary.

Children aged 13 and under must be signed out by parent/guardian before they can leave for the day.

Anyone aged 14 and 15 can leave on their own as long as a parent/guardian has made this clear on the audition application form.

What do I need to bring?

Plenty of water and snacks.

A notebook and pencil.

All dance shoes that you use (ballet, jazz, tap etc).

Wear appropriate dance wear, and nothing too baggy.

Wear hair neatly and a light stage make-up for those aged 14+ if required.

Important information - please read carefully.

Availability and absences

Being part of Theatre Royal Wakefield’s pantomime chorus team is a brilliant and hugely rewarding opportunity, but it’s important to note that the rehearsal schedule is demanding and requires full commitment and dedication from those taking part.

It is essential that everyone is available for ALL rehearsals and show dates (see schedule below), so please do check this carefully, in advance of signing up to audition.

Under exceptional circumstances, we may be able to accommodate an absence request that has been pre-arranged. However, only one absence is permitted per chorus member throughout the entire rehearsal and performance schedule. For health and safety reasons, we would never be able to permit an absence on dates the technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals fall. We also require that all Chorus members can attend the costume fitting session. If a chorus member is absent from these essential rehearsals, they will not be able to perform. If your child is going to miss one rehearsal date, please make this known on the application form and provide a clear explanation.

Permission from your child’s school if successful at audition:

We ask that parents and young people think carefully before signing up to audition as there will be a requirement for chorus members to have some time off school as part of the rehearsal and performance schedule. Headteachers from each school will be required to complete a written permission form to grant absence following the audition day. Please be aware that permission may not be given if attendance is an issue, or if taking part could impact negatively on a child’s progress at school. We work in partnership with the Child Performance Licensing Team at Wakefield Council to make sure all necessary permissions are in place for each participant.

READY TO SIGN UP?

AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete the web form link below by Monday 31^st August 2026.

Click here for registration form

Once you have completed and submitted the form, we will be in touch with more information. Please ensure to complete the form carefully and accurately.

If you have any further questions at this point, please contact Janine Johnson on Janine.johnson@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

Proposed Rehearsal Schedule (may be subject to change)

Performance Schedule - the three teams will be allocated different performances. This schedule will be available nearer the audition