CBeebies Panto 2024: Beauty and the Beast
This year’s CBeebies Christmas Panto Beauty and the Beast was recorded in September at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh. As ever, the show features many of CBeebies' most popular actors and presenters. Find out more about the 2024 CBeebies Panto and get ready for the big day.
What is CBeebies Beauty and the Beast about?
The story is set in Scotland and starts at Christmas time with the handsome Beau. The mean Thorn Fairy steals Beau's good looks to make herself look beautiful. Meanwhile Bella is looking for the perfect Christmas present for her Pops, Bella has heard there is a Christmas rose growing on the other side of the glen, but getting to the rose won't be easy.
Red is Bella's best friend and tries to help Bella get the beautiful Christmas rose which is growing in Beast's garden. Thorn Fairy casts another spell that makes thorns grow all around Bella and Red so they get stuck with Beast. Will Bella and Red get home for the Christmas lights switch on? Is Beast really that bad? Watch the CBeebies Panto Beauty and the Beast to find out how the story ends.
Who is in the cast of the 2024 CBeebies Panto Beauty and the Beast?
Rhys Stephenson - Beau / Beast
Maddie Moate - Thorn Fairy / Rosie
Puja Panchkoty – Bella
Evie Pickerill - Red
Justin Fletcher - Pops
Rebecca Keatley - Macey
Nigel Clarke - Casey
James Mackenzie - Snow Raven
Tyler Collins - Howl
Jennie Dale - Growl
Freddie Pooley - Gnome
Peter James - Gnome
Ben Cajee - Rudi
Joanna Adeyinka-Burford - Noelle
Shini Muthukrishnan – Ivy
George Webster - DJ Christmas
Dodge - Dodge
PLUS... Special guest – Steel from Gladiators
When and where can I watch the CBeebies panto?
A special version of the panto, with a welcome from Dodge, will go out in cinemas from Friday 22nd November. To book tickets go to www.cbeebiespanto.com. It will be available on CBeebies and on BBC iPlayer on Saturday 7th December.
While you wait you can listen and learn one of the songs from the show, Dig a Little Deeper from CBeebies Panto Beauty and the Beast.
Where can I watch previous CBeebies pantos?
CBeebies Christmas shows and pantos have been an annual tradition for many years. If you want to get into the festive spirit why not try watching one of the live stage shows from a previous year?
2023 - CBeebies Panto: Robin Hood
A host of CBeebies stars stage an action-packed festive adventure in Sherwood Forest. Full of catchy songs, dancing and pantomime fun for all the family. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
2022 - CBeebies Panto: Dick Whittington and his Cat
Join Dick Whittington and his Cat as they travel to London for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas parade, only to discover a trio of cheeky rats are intent on ruining everyone’s fun. Can Dick and his cat save the parade with the help of all their CBeebies Friends? Watch on BBC iPlayer.
2021 - CBeebies: The Night Before Christmas
Follow the magical adventures of Holly and her brother Jack on Christmas Eve, as they send their wishes to Father Christmas. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
2020 - Christmas in Storyland
Christmas in Storyland follows the tale of Dillydally the Delivery Elf and his Big Boss Elf Jiffy as they set out on a quest to deliver a stocking full of Christmas goodies. You can join them on their magical adventure travelling deep under the ocean and high up to castles on clouds. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
2019 - CBeebies Hansel & Gretel
Inspired by the classic Brothers Grimm tale, the stars of CBeebies bring the enchanting story of Hansel & Gretel to life with a vibrant 80’s twist. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
2018 - CBeebies Thumbelina
Inspired by the tale from Hans Christian Andersen, this magical adventure follows Thumbelina, a thumb-sized girl in an oversized world of plants and animals who goes on a journey to find out who and what she is. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
2017 - CBeebies The Snow Queen
Stage musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s iconic tale in which brave village girl Gerda sets out to rescue her best friend Kai before the Snow Queen freezes him forever. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
2016 - CBeebies The Nutcracker
Sing along and join in the fun with your CBeebies friends for a very special performance of The Nutcracker. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
2015 - CBeebies Alice in Wonderland
Sing along and join in the fun with your CBeebies friends for a very special performance of Alice in Wonderland. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
Where can I find songs from CBeebies pantos?
Find songs from CBeebies pantos and Christmas shows all in one place.
What is a pantomime?
Pantomime is a popular theatrical treat for families during the Christmas holidays. Pantomime (panto) is often seen as something quaint, something utterly British, but its origins lie in warmer climes. It developed from the Italian street theatre of the Commedia dell’arte in the 16th Century, with comedic moments, stock characters and great physicality. The costumes are bright, the sets sparkle and the audience are encouraged to sing-a-long. The classic calls of, “It’s behind you!” and “Oh no, he didn’t!” might confuse newcomers to the genre.
Head over to BBC Bitesize to find out more about the history of pantomimes and why they are so popular.