The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre’s 2023 pantomime, Beauty and the Beast will launch at the end of this month and joining the previously announced Richard Elis, Aled Pugh, Gareth Tempest, Phoebe Holmes, Alex Parry, Londiwe Mthembu and Elian West will be Hugo Joss Catton playing Prince Hilarion, who’s been cursed with the appearance of a Beast by the Evil witch Hecate.
Richard Elis will return for the Riverfront Theatre’s 2023 pantomime season in Beauty and The Beast. Photo: Sian Trenberth Photography 
Aled Pugh returns to The Riverfront pantomime in his second villainous role! 
There ain’t nothing like a Dame as Gareth Tempest will display in the 2023-24 Riverfont pantomime, Beauty and The Beast. 
Phoebe Holmes will play the evil witch, Hecate in the Riverfront Theatre’s pantomime, Beauty and The Beast. 
Elian West will be play the role of Rose in Beauty and the Beast. 
Londiwe Mthembu makes her panto debut in Beauty and the Beast as Fairygoodheart. 
Bitcoin Boi star, Alex Parry makes his Riverfront panto debut in Beauty and The Beast. 
Hugo Joss Catton will give a beastly performance features in the Riverfront pantomime, Beauty and The Beast.
A graduate of the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and Guildford School of Acting, Hugo Joss Catton will be bringing a wealth of experience to The Riverfront stage. His portfolio spans from captivating international tours to the grandeur of London’s West End. Hugo also co-founded the acclaimed touring Burlesque theatre company, “Brass Monkey Burlesque,” where he takes on the role of the charismatic Master of Ceremonies.
“We are delighted to welcome Hugo Joss Catton to The Riverfront family. We were blown away by his audition and can’t wait for our audiences to meet Prince Hilarion” says Jamie Anderson, Creative Development Manager at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.
The Riverfront Theatre have also announced the ensemble cast for Beauty and the Beast featuring a combination of new and familiar faces.
Aaron Anderson is a Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance graduate who has performed alongside renowned stars such as Ramin Karimloo, John Owen Jones, and Daniel Brocklebank. After two years as a lead vocalist for Viking Cruises, Aaron is thrilled to be back on land just in time for the Panto season.
Alicia Lynn has over 20 years of dance training and a BA in Musical Theatre from Bird College. She has previously delighted The Riverfront Theatre audiences with her performances in Cinderella and Robin Hood and is excited to return for Beauty and the Beast in 2023.
Samuel Ashall features in the Riverfront pantomime, Beauty and The Beast. 
Lewis Pittam features in the Riverfront pantomime, Beauty and The Beast. 
Ella Carolan will feature features in the Riverfront pantomime, Beauty and The Beast. 
Chloe Bramall will feature features in the Riverfront pantomime, Beauty and The Beast. 
Alicia Lynn features features in the Riverfront pantomime, Beauty and The Beast. 
Aaron Anderson will feature features in the Riverfront pantomime, Beauty and The Beast.
Also returning for another year is Chloe Bramall, who performed at The Riverfront in Robin Hood. Fresh from a summer working with Netflix to promote “The Witcher,” Chloe is eager to spread festive spirit and joy at The Riverfront.
A 2023 graduate of Urdang, London, Ella Carolan competitive dancing skills have earned her recognition nationwide, including an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent. Her recent performance in The Greatest Night of the Jazz Age in London showcases her remarkable talent. Ella is excited to make her Panto debut in Newport at The Riverfront Theatre and spend Christmas in Wales.
A 2020 graduate of Performance Preparation Academy, Lewis Pittam brings a variety of theatrical experience to his role in Beauty and the Beast. His credits include Spamalot, Chess, A Chorus Line and professional roles in Goodnight Mr Tom, The Wiz, Peter Pan and Aladdin. His enthusiasm for the arts is sure to shine on stage.
Samuel Ashall, a 2020 graduate of Mountainview Academy, has a range of impressive credits, including performances in Gypsy, Cinderella and The Knight of Music. His presence on the stage adds an extra layer of magic to the production.
“We are thrilled to have such a talented and dedicated ensemble cast for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ this year,” said Jamie Anderson. “Their combined experience and passion for the performing arts will undoubtedly create a memorable and heartwarming experience for our audiences this Christmas.”
The Riverfront Theatre would like to thank all auditionees who attended auditions back in September for the Young Company cast. They were overwhelmed with the turnout of over 70 young performers. The Riverfront Team would like to congratulate Maria, Zunaisha, Josh, Anaiya, Ruby, Isabella, Maia, Nimeesha, Lionardo, Harper, Neve, Brooke, Mollie, Isla, Lucy, Elijah, Katie and Leila, on being successful in this year’s auditions.
The Riverfront Theatre would also like to thank all 2023 auditionees for the young company cast and congratulate Maria, Zunaisha, Josh, Anaiya, Ruby, Isabella, Maia, Nimeesha, Lionardo, Harper, Neve, Brooke, Mollie, Isla, Lucy, Elijah, Katie and Leila, on being successful in this year’s auditions.
Beauty and the Beast opens at The Riverfront on 29 November and will be on stage until 6 January. Book your tickets now to step into a world of enchantment and wonder. Tickets for Beauty and the Beast at The Riverfront Theatre can be purchased on The Riverfront’s website: Events for 29/11/2023 (ticketsolve.com) or by calling 01633 656757.