Joe Sims to star in the 2026 Bristol Hippodrome Pantomime
Posted on: 21 Aug 2026Joe Sims, Jade Marvin, Tom Major and Naomi Pacquette will be joining the previously announced stars Craig Revel Horwood and Andy Ford for the 2026 Bristol Hippodrome pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. Shows run form 5 December 2026 through until 3 January 2027.
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Bristol Hippodrome and pantomime producer Crossroads Pantomimes have announced further casting for this year’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, with BBC Radio Bristol Breakfast Show presenter Joe Sims joining the cast as Henchman alongside Jade Marvin as the Enchantress, Tom Major as Prince Peter and Naomi Pacquette as Princess Aurora.
The latest additions join the previously announced cast, led by fab-u-lous TV judge and musical theatre star Craig Revel Horwood as the evil Carabosse and Bristol panto favourite Andy Ford as Muddles.
Sims, who is playing the Henchman, is best known to Bristol audiences as the presenter of the breakfast show on BBC Radio Bristol. He is also known for his television work, including three series of ITV drama Broadchurch, as well as Doctor Who, and for voicing numerous characters on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers. Much closer to home, Sims worked on the six-part sitcom Ruby Speaking, which writer Jayde Adams wanted to reflect working-class Bristol. He also co-founded BristolAF productions alongside writer-director Paul Holbrook and writer Amy Trevaskus, with a shared ambition to tell Bristol-centric stories.
Jade Marvin joins the cast as the Enchantress, with theatre credits including Momma in Starlight Express at the Wembley Troubadour Theatre, Catherine of Aragon in Six at NCL, Mrs Otter in The Wind in the Willows at The Turbine Theatre, and roles in Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, Bad Girls: The Musical and Mythic.
Tom Major will play Prince Peter. A graduate of the Arts Educational School, Tom made his professional debut as Rodney in the first UK and Ireland tour of Only Fools and Horses: The Musical. He also starred as Prince Charming in Cinderella at Richmond Theatre last year.
Naomi Pacquette takes on the role of Princess Aurora. A British actress, singer and dancer, and graduate of Emil Dale Academy, Naomi is best known for playing Dinah Lord in the 2026 UK revival and tour of Cole Porter’s musical comedy High Society, appearing at the Barbican Theatre and on the subsequent UK and Ireland tour.
Sleeping Beauty is staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the team behind recent Bristol Hippodrome Christmas successes, including last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk.
Ben Phillips, Theatre Director at Bristol Hippodrome, said:
“Joe, Jade, Tom and Naomi bring a fantastic wealth of experience, talent and personality to Sleeping Beauty. Each performer adds something unique to the production, and Joe’s Bristol connection makes today’s announcement especially meaningful. With Craig Revel Horwood and Andy Ford already confirmed, all the ingredients are in place for a truly magical Christmas pantomime that Bristol audiences will love.”
ABOUT SLEEPING BEAUTY
Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom, Princess Aurora receives a birthday present from her wicked aunt Carabosse. A single prick of an enchanted spinning wheel places her under a cruel curse and sends her into a century of slumber! Will true love endure? Will the Prince break the spell? Come and find out in a panto packed with magic, music, comedy and dazzling special effects!
Make Sleeping Beauty the pantomime of your dreams at the Bristol Hippodrome.
Playing from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
Don’t get caught snoozing, book your tickets today here.
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