(Image: Reece Sibbald Productions/The Roxy Theatre)
A County Durham theatre is building on the “phenomenal success” of its first Christmas pantomime with a magical underwater adventure this festive season.
The Roxy Theatre in Leadgate attracted thousands of visitors with its debut production of Snow White after reopening last year following an extensive restoration.
This Christmas, the team returns with The Little Mermaid, which runs from December 12 to 28, 2026.
The Roxy Theatre in Leadgate, is staging The Little Mermaid, after the 'phenomenal success' of its first Christmas pantomime, Snow White, following the venue’s restoration and reopening (Image: Reece Sibbald Productions/The Roxy Theatre)
Reece Sibbald, writer, director, and producer, said: "Last year came with a huge amount of pressure for us as a company.
"We were producing the pantomime that would mark the grand opening of the beautifully restored Roxy Theatre, and the team behind the venue had spent years refining every detail.
"The audience is already wowed before the curtain even goes up.
The Roxy Theatre in Leadgate, is staging The Little Mermaid, after the 'phenomenal success' of its first Christmas pantomime, Snow White, following the venue’s restoration and reopening (Image: Reece Sibbald Productions/The Roxy Theatre)
"You walk into that incredible 360-seat auditorium and it feels special, so as a producer your job becomes even harder because you then have to match that sense of occasion on stage.
"The reaction to Snow White was more than we could ever have hoped for.
"The feedback was sensational and the demand has given us the opportunity to extend the run this Christmas.
"But we knew The Little Mermaid wanted to go bigger, create an entirely new world and give audiences plenty of surprises.
From Mini Miners to mermaids, The Roxy's Christmas panto is back with an underwater twist (Image: Reece Sibbald Productions/The Roxy Theatre)
"So, the scenery is beautiful, the costumes are going to glitter and we’re bringing vibrant digital elements into the production which allow us to do some really exciting new things.
"I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but I genuinely think this is the most exciting production we’ve ever created.
"Anyone who joined us last year will recognise everything they loved about the Roxy panto, but expect the unexpected and you won’t be disappointed."
The production is in partnership with Reece Sibbald Productions Ltd, the team behind last year’s pantomime.
The Roxy is making a splash again with The Little Mermaid this Christmas (Image: Reece Sibbald Productions/The Roxy Theatre)
Rebecca Lightburn, who played Snow White, returns as Ariel.
Reece Sibbald and North East pantomime favourite Cal Halbert will play Fin the Floundering Fish and Crabsticks, respectively.
The cast also features Lanchester’s Amy George as Ursula and Pride Radio’s Ben Lloyd as King Triton.
Mr Lloyd will bring powerhouse vocals, dance moves and stage presence to the Roxy.
David Barnes, manager of The Roxy Theatre, said: "Last Christmas was incredibly special for everyone involved with The Roxy.
The Roxy Theatre in Leadgate, is staging The Little Mermaid, after the 'phenomenal success' of its first Christmas pantomime, Snow White, following the venue’s restoration and reopening (Image: Reece Sibbald Productions/The Roxy Theatre)
"After so much work had gone into restoring and reopening the theatre, to see thousands of people coming through the doors, many experiencing the venue for the very first time, was something we’ll never forget.
"The response to Snow White was fantastic, and it quickly became clear that audiences wanted even more, which is why we’re delighted to be extending the pantomime run this year.
"We’re really excited to be working with Reece Sibbald Productions again to bring The Little Mermaid to Leadgate.
"There’s a real ambition to build on everything we achieved last Christmas, while creating something completely new for audiences to enjoy.
"The Roxy was brought back to life to be a theatre for this community, so it’s particularly special to see local children sharing the stage with a professional cast.
"We can’t wait to welcome families back through the doors and show them what we’ve got in store."
The show will feature 24 young performers from the community, split into three teams of eight who will alternate during the extended run.
The scheme follows last year’s successful search for Snow White’s Mini Miners, which gave local children their first taste of performing on stage.
One of last year’s Mini Miners has since joined the cast of the upcoming UK tour and West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
Mr Sibbald said: "Having local children as part of the company was one of the loveliest parts of last year’s production.
"They brought so much energy to the show and the audiences absolutely loved them.
"To now see one of our Mini Miners go from performing with us in Leadgate to being cast in a major professional production of Billy Elliot is incredibly special.
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"It shows young people from our area what can be possible.
"This year we’ve cast 24 brilliant children across three teams and we’re really excited for them to have the opportunity to work and perform alongside our professional company."
The production promises comedy, music, audience participation and festive magic, with plenty of surprises.