Planning a London panto this Christmas? Hackney Empire’s legendary festive show returns with Clive Rowe back in the frock, a full cast now confirmed, several useful ticket offers and dedicated accessible performances. Here is what families need to know before booking Jack and the Beanstalk for 2026.
Jack and the Beanstalk at a glance
- Venue: Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ
- Dates: 21 November–31 December 2026
- Tickets: £10–£48, plus the venue’s £1.50 per-ticket booking fee online and by phone
- Age guidance: all ages welcome; ages 3 and under may sit on an adult’s lap, while ages 4+ need their own ticket
- Running time: to be confirmed
What is Hackney Empire’s 2026 panto?
Jack swaps the family cow for a handful of magic beans and finds an enchanted land, a powerful giant and plenty of trouble above the clouds. Hackney Empire promises the big laughs, songs, dancing, costumes and audience participation that have made its pantomime an East London Christmas tradition. This year’s run also falls during the theatre’s 125th-anniversary season.
Full cast
- Clive Rowe — Dame Trot
- Kat B — Simple Simon Trot
- Marina Lawrence-Mahrra — Jack Trot
- Summer Priest — Jill
- Louise Cielecki — Fairy Firethorn
- Christopher Staines — Stephen Fleshcreep
- Andre Antonio — Harp and Timothy Trot
- Ellie Greenway, Alanna Panditaratne, Charlize Indigo, Charlie Scales, Toby Seddon, Lara Wollington and Sam Jamison — ensemble
Creative team
Clive Rowe directs, with Will Brenton writing the show. The creative team includes Steven Edis (original music and songs), Cleo Pettitt (set and costume design), Wendy Gadian (musical director, arranger, orchestrator and supervisor), Mike Ward (choreographer), Tim Mitchell (lighting designer) and Richard Bell (sound designer).
Accessible performances
- BSL interpreted: 5 December at 1.30pm and 6pm; 17 December at 1.30pm and 7pm
- Relaxed and dementia friendly: 5 December at 1.30pm
- Audio described: 6 December at 1pm
Hackney Empire advises access customers to join its Access Membership scheme to book access tickets online, or contact the Box Office for help choosing suitable seats for interpreted and audio-described performances.
Ticket offers worth checking
- Concessions: £2 off on all performances.
- Schools and youth groups: £12 each on Green performances if booked and paid by 30 September; £14 afterwards. One teacher goes free per 10 paid students. Telephone booking applies.
- Groups of 5+: £25 each on eligible Green, Red and Black performances until 30 September.
- Groups of 10+: £3 off eligible Green, Red and Black performances.
- NHS and key workers: £12 tickets for 7pm performances on 2, 4 and 11 December, with a maximum of 10 per person and valid ID required on collection.
Offers have specific dates, performance bands and eligibility rules, so check the official listing before booking rather than treating these as a general “tickets from” price.
Getting there and planning your visit
Hackney Empire is at 291 Mare Street. Our evergreen venue guide has practical planning information for the theatre and nearby area.
Plan your visit with the Hackney Empire theatregoer’s guide →
For more festive theatre across London and the South East, compare the latest family shows, accessible performances and booking routes in Clarissa’s Corner’s Christmas & Pantomime Guide 2026.
Ticket prices, offers and access arrangements were checked against Hackney Empire’s official listing on 15 September 2026 and may change.
