Dazzle, dynamite and… diamonds! Blackpool’s favourite festive tradition, the Grand Theatre panto, just got even more fabulous with the announcement of the arrival of everyone’s favourite Funny Girl, Betty Legs Diamond, who will star as Dame Polly La Plonk in this year’s Beauty and The Beast.
Prepare for high heels, high kicks and plenty of high-octane charisma as the Blackpool icon and undisputed Queen of Cabaret prepares to bring her signature sparkle and outrageous style to The Grand’s festive spectacular.
“It’s an absolute dream come true,” says Betty Legs Diamond. “To be joining the cast of Blackpool’s No1 Pantomime at the stunning Grand Theatre is beyond exciting. It’s been a lifelong ambition to perform a full festive run on that iconic stage, and to be doing it alongside such incredible talents as Corrie bad-boy Marc Baylis and comic genius Steve Royle is the cherry on top. The magic of UK Productions and the legendary reputation of Blackpool Grand pantomime make this an unforgettable opportunity. I can’t wait to bring some sparkle, sass and just the right amount of devilment to the most fabulous festive show in town. Brace yourselves, Blackpool… Betty’s coming to play.”
Beauty and the Beast is described as ‘a theatrical event packed with breathtaking stage sets, dazzling costumes, and spine-tingling musical numbers that will leave audiences gasping, laughing and cheering for more’, but it’s not just the cast that makes this production shine. The heart of the show is a thrilling script from award-winning pantomime genius Jon Monie, whose writing scooped top honours at the UK Pantomime Awards. His unique blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and rich, immersive storytelling, ensures Beauty and the Beast will captivate generations old and young alike.
Betty joins Marc Baylis, familiar to millions as Coronation Street’s brooding Rob Donovan, who is set to thrill audiences in his panto debut as Hugo Pompidou, a smooth villain with a flair for mischief and mayhem.
Baylis says, “Forget bad-boy, I’m going full panto villain this Christmas and I couldn’t be more excited. Playing Hugo Pompidou in Beauty and the Beast at the glorious Grand Theatre is a real treat, he’s suave, scheming and just the right amount of ridiculous. And with Steve Royle making mischief on one side and Betty Legs Diamond swanning in as his own mother on the other, it’s going to be complete and utter madness, in the best possible way. The Grand’s panto is legendary, and with UK Productions behind it, audiences are in for a dazzling, laugh-a-minute ride. I can’t wait to strut my stuff, raise an eyebrow or two, and cause a little chaos in Blackpool this Christmas!”
And of course, Blackpool’s favourite funny man is back, Britain’s Got Talent finalist and reigning Best Comic at this year’s UK Pantomime Awards Steve Royle returns with his usual whirlwind of chaos, comedy and heart.
He says, “It’s about time Betty was made a Dame. I’m so excited to be appearing alongside the Blackpool legend. She’s the only person I know who can give me a run for my money in a high leg kicking competition. And it’s certainly gonna ‘kick off’ against the hilariously wicked villain Marc Baylis. It’s hard to imagine a better show than last year’s Cinderella, but the omens certainly look good with this inspired casting. Funny girls, funny fellas and a fun show for all. Bring it on.”
Tik Tok star Kitty Harris also return in Beauty And The Beast, playing Belle, she says, “Belle’s story is full of magic and transformation, just like this show. Last year was amazing, but this year feels even more special. Being part of this cast, on The Grand stage with such an incredible production again truly feels like a dream come true. It’s full of fun, music, and heart; you’ll laugh, you’ll sing along, and we promise you’ll leave wanting to come back for more.”
Martin Dodd, Producer at UK Productions, adds, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Betty Legs to this year’s pantomime at The Grand. Betty is a legendary performer with charisma, comic timing and a stage presence like no other and now audiences will get to see that magic woven into our festive spectacular on a grand stage. This year’s production promises to be one of the most laugh-out-loud pantos we’ve ever brought to the Grand Theatre.”
Beauty and The Beast runs at Blackpool Grand Theatre from 5 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets here.
