Joe Swash to star in Beauty and the Beast at The Alban Arena

Former King of the Jungle and EastEnders actor Joe Swash is set to play a starring role in Beauty and the Beast.

A promotional poster for Beauty and the Beast featuring TV legend Joe Swash (Image: Everyone Active)

The annual pantomime, hosted at The Alban Arena, will return on Friday, December 4, 2026, running until Sunday, January 3, 2027.

Once again, the show will be written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution Productions, the same award-winning team who brought you the five-star smash hit, Aladdin.

This fairy-tale extravaganza promises to be full of hilarious comedy, fantastic music and lavish sets and costumes.

• Read our review of last year's fantastic pantomime

You may recognise Swash from his winning runs on ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice.

His most famous role, however, was as Mickey Miller on EastEnders, first appearing on Albert Square in 2003.

Swash also featured alongside his wife Stacey Solomon on Celebrity Gogglebox.

Joe is coming to the Alban Arena this December! (Image: BBC/Wall to Wall /PA Wire)

The Alban Arena, in partnership with Evolution Productions, are looking for children to be part of the Juvenile Ensemble for this year's spectacular pantomime.

Registration will take place at 2pm on Sunday, July 18, at The Alban Arena.

To audition you must be between ages 9 – 14 (inclusive) on January 31, 2027. Auditions will end approximately two hours after the start time but you may need to stay longer if you are successful. You don’t need to prepare anything – you’ll be taught a routine on the day.

If you require any further information, please contact
juveniles@evolution-productions.co.uk

To find out more and to book tickets visit https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/beauty-and-the-beast-2026/