Exeter Northcott launches search for young stars in 2025 Panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’

The Exeter Northcott Theatre has officially launched its search for young stars to take the stage in its 2025 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, co-produced with Exeter’s own award-winning theatre company, Le Navet Bete.

Six children aged seven to 11 will be cast to share a starring role in the much-anticipated family production, with each performer appearing in 12 shows. The role will include spoken lines, along with simple singing and dancing routines, offering local youngsters the opportunity to shine in front of thousands of audience members over the festive season.

Building on the record-breaking success of last year’s Cinderella, the 2025 panto promises to deliver “laughs, thrills, spills, special effects and giant amounts of fun” in what organisers describe as a “spectacular production for all ages”. The collaboration between Northcott and Le Navet Bete has become a seasonal highlight, combining traditional stories with high-energy local flair.

“There’s nothing quite like the magic of a homegrown panto, made right here in the South West, full of local talent, and packed with unforgettable moments for families of all ages,” said Martin Berry, Exeter Northcott Creative Director and Joint Chief Executive. “I can’t wait to see our brilliant young performers having the time of their lives on stage alongside a top-notch professional cast."

Following the success of last year’s children’s role - Quackers the Duck, dubbed “the absolute star of the show” by the PRSD - this year’s production will feature a host of new characters for the young cast to bring to life, including Dame Trott’s devoted sidekick, Hamlet the Pig.

Al Dunn, Co-Artistic Director of Le Navet Bete, said: "After the fantastic response to our open auditions for Cinderella last year, we know there’s a barn-full of brilliant local talent just waiting to shine. This year, six young performers will be taking on various characters, including the role of Dame Trott’s loyal companion Hamlet the Pig! We’re looking for energy, comic timing and bags of personality to bring it all to life. We can’t wait to see who’ll be sty-ling their way onto the stage this Christmas!”

Auditions will be held in a fun, workshop-style format at the Barnfield Theatre on Saturday, 27th July. Young hopefuls can find more information and register to audition at exeternorthcott.co.uk. The deadline for registrations is Wednesday 16 July.

With the Northcott’s panto season growing more popular every year, this casting call is expected to draw strong interest, making it a golden opportunity for local children to take centre stage in one of the South West’s most beloved festive traditions.