24-04-2025
Panto favourites set for return to Darlington stage for third season
Pantomime favourites Josh Benson and Jamie Jones are set to return to the Darlington Hippodrome for a third pantomime season - joining the circus as Joey the Clown and Dame Betty Barnum in a production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
The pair will be joined on stage by Brendan Cole.
The former Strictly Come Dancing professional, who appeared on every season of that show from 2004 through to 2017, will be taking on the role of the evil ringmaster, Baron Von Bolshoi.
Mr Benson has performed at venues including Leeds City Varieties Music Hall, London's Charing Cross Theatre, and the Phoenix Arts Club.
He is also a regular at the Brick Lane Music Hall and previously appeared as the pantomime comic at Chesterfield's Pomegranate Theatre, York Theatre Royal, and Halifax's Victoria Theatre.
He said: "I can't wait to be back with my 'panto gang' at the Hippodrome for a hat-trick season.
"Darlington audiences are so much fun to perform for… and I'm so excited to be bringing them some more daft antics this Christmas."
Mr Jones graduated from Staffordshire University with a first-class honours degree in musical theatre, and is also a writer and director for various production companies across the UK.
He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be returning to the beautiful Darlington Hippodrome this Christmas as Dame Betty Barnum in Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
"Expect fabulous costumes, sumptuous scenery, and laugh out loud comedy.
"This year's show promises to be one of Darlington's biggest yet, so come and join us in the Big Top for some festive panto magic."
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Darlington Hippodrome will be transformed into a circus for four weeks, with a show packed with comedy, special effects, stunts, and circus acts.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears will run from Friday, December 5 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
For full details or to book, please call the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit
