Preview: Pinocchio at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Joe Mcelderry returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal Panto as Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio

Pinocchio

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 28 November 2023 – Sunday 14 January 2024

North East singer-songwriter Joe McElderry is set to make a triumphant return to Newcastle Theatre Royal this year as Jiminy Cricket in a brand-new pantomime, following a magical season as The Faerie Godfather in Cinderella.

Having proved a firm favourite with audiences since joining the cast in 2021 for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Newcastle’s own Joe will team up with the previously announced comedy superstar Danny Adams as Pinocchio, returning favourites Clive Webb as toymaker Geppetto and Chris Hayward, turning once again to the side of good, as Dame Rita.

Since winning The X Factor in 2009, Joe McElderry has solidified his reputation as one of the country’s finest singer-songwriters, which has seen him enjoy an extensive and successful career spanning music, television and musical theatre.

Pinocchio, a brand-new pantomime, created especially for Newcastle Theatre Royal will be produced by Michael Harrison for the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes.

On the latest casting, Michael Harrison said: “I know how much audiences have enjoyed Joe’s brilliant vocals and the hilarious comedy moments between him and Danny, so I’m absolutely delighted that he’ll once again be joining Danny, Clive and Chris this Christmas in our new production of Pinocchio.”

Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, Marianne Locatori added: “Joe has been a wonderful addition to an already spectacular cast and has dazzled not only with this stunning vocals but also his impeccable comic timing and huge sense of fun. Having proved to be a firm favourite with our audiences, we’re delighted that he will be joining us again in the brand-new pantomime adventure Pinocchio.”

On returning to the Newcastle Theatre Royal panto, Joe McElderry said: “I am so thrilled to be returning to Newcastle for the third year with Danny, Clive and Chris! As everyone knows, the North East is so special to me and I cannot wait to return to the most incredible theatre and wonderful team of people for another fantastic season with Pinocchio.”

With brand-new sets and costumes, we'd by lying if we didn't think this wasn't going to be our best panto yet!

Tickets

Pinocchio plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 28 November 2023 – Sunday 14 January 2024. With over 50,000 tickets already booked, early booking is advised to guarantee the best seats. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.