More stars are coming to panto, oh yes they are!
York Theatre Royal have announced today (Thursday) that West End Star Jenny Gayner (Chicago, Gangsta Granny) will star as the Wicked Queen and Dean Whatton (Game of Thrones) leading the ‘Seven’ in the role of Sarge, in this year’s magical family panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Jenny and Dean join the previously announced Richard David-Caine (Horrible Histories, Horrible Science) alongside York panto favourites Robin Simpson and Tommy Carmichael – who both return after delighting audiences in last year’s Sleeping Beauty.
Jenny has starred in a wide range of musicals including most recently as Baroness Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour), Lina Lamont in Singin’ In The Rain (Sadlers Wells Theatre/UK/International tour) and as Mum in Gangsta Granny (West End/UK Tour).
Jenny’s credits also include Annie (UK tour), The Girls (West End-Original London cast), Chicago (West End/UK Tour), A Chorus Line (Lowry Theatre) and Spamalot! (West End). Television credits include The Power (Amazon Prime), The Trial (Channel 5), Elysse – Entanglement (Amazon Prime) and Material Girl (BBC).
Dean started in the entertainment business whilst still at school and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs marks his 18th pantomime. Dean’s credits include See How They Run (UK tour), Love Labours Lost and Richard the III (Northern Broadsides/UK tour) and Macbeth (Derby Shakespeare Company).
Dean’s film and television credits include Game of Thrones (HBO), Call the Midwife (BBC), Life’s Too Short (BBC), Star Wars Episode VII The Last Jedi and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II.
The show is written by Paul Hendy, directed by Juliet Forster and co-produced with award-winning Evolution Productions.
Juliet Forster, creative director at York Theatre Royal, said: “Panto season is fast approaching and our cast for this year is shaping up to be truly amazing! Jenny and Dean are both super talented and are fantastic additions to the show.
“Tickets are selling fast, with some performances already selling out, so make sure you book your seats early to catch the show.”
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is at York Theatre Royal from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Family tickets are available for all performances with savings of up to £61 on bookings with 4 tickets. Find out more on the York Theatre Royal website.
