Beauty and the Beast at Darlington Hippodrome 2026 – Christmas Pantomime, Tickets & Where to Stay
Looking for a magical Christmas experience in Darlington? The much-loved festive pantomime Beauty and the Beast is coming to Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, bringing laughter, music, colourful costumes and family entertainment to the town.
Whether you’re visiting relatives for Christmas, planning a festive weekend away or bringing the children to see their first pantomime, this is a wonderful reason to visit Darlington.
And if you’re travelling from outside the area, Room Ready Stays offers comfortable accommodation for visitors, families and groups who want to make more of their trip.
What Is Beauty and the Beast at Darlington Hippodrome?
Beauty and the Beast tells the famous story of Belle, a young woman who finds herself inside an enchanted castle inhabited by a mysterious Beast and a collection of magical characters.
Can Belle discover the kindness hidden beneath the Beast’s frightening appearance before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose?
Darlington’s 2026 production gives this classic fairy tale the traditional British pantomime treatment, with comedy, audience participation, music and plenty of festive entertainment.
Expect a lively family outing filled with laughter, colourful characters and theatrical surprises.
Who Is Starring in Beauty and the Beast Darlington 2026?
This year’s production features a familiar face from television alongside popular returning Darlington pantomime performers.
Matt Baker as Jack
The North East’s own Matt Baker, known for presenting Countryfile, The One Show and Our Farm in the Dales, stars as Jack, Belle’s brother.
Josh Benson as Silly Billy
Returning Darlington pantomime favourite Josh Benson brings comedy and entertainment to the role of Silly Billy.
Jamie Jones as Mrs Potty
Jamie Jones returns as Mrs Potty, reuniting with Josh Benson for another festive season at Darlington Hippodrome.
The cast also includes Liv Newcomb and Neisha-Yen Jones.
For families who enjoy the tradition of visiting the pantomime every Christmas, the returning performers are another reason to look forward to this year’s show.
When Is Beauty and the Beast at Darlington Hippodrome?
The pantomime runs throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
| Event information | Details |
|---|---|
| Production | Beauty and the Beast |
| Opening night | Friday 11 December 2026 |
| Final performance | Sunday 3 January 2027 |
| Venue | Darlington Hippodrome |
| Address | Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR |
| Suitable for | Families, couples, groups and Christmas visitors |
Performances take place on selected mornings, afternoons and evenings throughout the run.
For exact performance times, availability and ticket information, visit the official website:
Beauty and the Beast – Darlington Hippodrome Tickets
How Much Are Beauty and the Beast Tickets?
Ticket prices depend on the performance date, seating area and ticket type.
Darlington Hippodrome advertises a range of standard tickets, with selected family and group discounts available.
For some performances, the theatre offers:
- Family tickets: £26 per person for qualifying groups of three to six, including at least one child aged 16 or under.
- Group tickets: £24 per person for groups of seven or more on selected dates.
- Accessible performances: Relaxed, signed and audio-described performances are scheduled during the run.
These offers apply to selected performances and are subject to availability and the theatre’s booking conditions.
Check the official booking page for the latest prices before purchasing.
Why Visit Darlington for Christmas 2026?
Christmas is a lovely time to explore Darlington.
The town’s festive programme offers opportunities to enjoy seasonal shopping, family activities, local restaurants and Christmas entertainment.
A trip to see Beauty and the Beast can become part of a longer festive break, particularly if you’re travelling from another part of the country.
Instead of rushing home after the performance, why not stay overnight and enjoy more of what Darlington has to offer?
Our Room Ready Stays blog also features a dedicated Christmas in Darlington 2026 guide, covering seasonal events, attractions and ideas for visitors.
Where to Stay for Beauty and the Beast in Darlington
If you’re travelling to see the pantomime and need accommodation in Darlington, Room Ready Stays offers flexible options for visitors.
Our property includes:
- Seven double bedrooms and one single bedroom
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Blackout curtains
- A fully equipped shared kitchen
- Communal lounge
- Laundry facilities
- Convenient self check-in
- Individual room and whole-house booking options
Whether you’re visiting as a couple, travelling with friends or arranging a larger family gathering, you can explore the accommodation available for your dates.
Check availability and book direct with Room Ready Stays
Visiting Family in Darlington This Christmas?
Christmas is often a time when families come together, but finding enough space for visiting relatives can be difficult.
Perhaps grandparents are travelling to see the grandchildren, family members are returning to Darlington for the holidays or several relatives are meeting for a festive celebration.
Rather than trying to accommodate everyone in one household, booking nearby guest accommodation can give visitors somewhere comfortable to stay while spending quality time together.
Room Ready Stays welcomes enquiries from people visiting family and friends in Darlington.
Guests can enjoy their own accommodation while remaining close enough to join family celebrations and local Christmas activities.
A Christmas Theatre Weekend for Couples
Although pantomimes are particularly popular with families, they can also make an enjoyable festive outing for couples.
Imagine arriving in Darlington on Friday, enjoying dinner together, seeing Beauty and the Beast at the Hippodrome and spending Saturday exploring the town.
You could combine your visit with:
- Christmas shopping in Darlington town centre
- A meal at a local restaurant
- Coffee at an independent café
- A walk through South Park
- Visiting local attractions
- An overnight stay before travelling home
It’s a simple way to enjoy a seasonal short break without planning a lengthy holiday.
Group Accommodation for Christmas Pantomime Visitors
Are you travelling to Darlington with several friends or family members?
Group accommodation can be particularly useful when people are attending the same event but travelling from different locations.
Room Ready Stays offers the option to enquire about booking the whole property, subject to availability and suitability for your group.
With eight bedrooms, a shared kitchen and communal lounge, the property provides a practical base for groups who want to stay together.
Whether you’re planning a family reunion, Christmas get-together or group theatre trip, contact us with your dates and number of guests.
Accessible Beauty and the Beast Performances
Darlington Hippodrome has announced several accessible performances for the 2026 pantomime.
Relaxed performance: Thursday 17 December at 12pm.
Signed performances: Sunday 20 December at 1:30pm and Tuesday 29 December at 6pm.
Audio-described performances: Sunday 20 December at 1:30pm and Tuesday 29 December at 6pm.
The relaxed performance is designed to provide a more welcoming environment for people who benefit from a less formal theatre experience.
Contact Darlington Hippodrome directly for accessibility arrangements and ticket information.
Getting to Darlington Hippodrome
Darlington Hippodrome is located on Parkgate, close to Darlington town centre.
Travelling by train
Darlington railway station has direct connections to several major destinations, including Newcastle, Durham, York and London.
The theatre is within walking distance of the station.
Travelling by car
Darlington is accessible via the A1(M) and A66.
Visitors should check town-centre parking arrangements before travelling, particularly during the busy Christmas period.
Staying overnight
If you’re attending an evening performance, staying overnight can make the trip more relaxing.
It also gives you time to enjoy local restaurants and attractions without having to travel home immediately after the show.
More Christmas Activities in Darlington
If you’re spending a weekend in Darlington, consider exploring some of the town’s other attractions.
Hopetown Darlington
Discover Darlington’s fascinating railway history at one of the town’s best-known visitor attractions. Check its seasonal programme for Christmas activities.
Darlington Town Centre
Browse shops, cafés and independent businesses while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
South Park
Enjoy a winter walk through one of Darlington’s most popular green spaces.
Restaurants and Cafés
Darlington has plenty of places to enjoy breakfast, lunch or an evening meal before the pantomime.
For more ideas, explore our Christmas in Darlington 2026 article and the wider Room Ready Stays Discover Darlington blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Beauty and the Beast at Darlington Hippodrome?
The pantomime runs from Friday 11 December 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027.
Who is starring in Beauty and the Beast Darlington 2026?
The production stars Matt Baker as Jack, alongside Josh Benson as Silly Billy and Jamie Jones as Mrs Potty.
Is Beauty and the Beast suitable for families?
Yes. The production is advertised as a family pantomime, although parents should check the theatre’s guidance when booking for very young children.
Are there discounted tickets for families?
Yes. Selected performances offer family tickets for qualifying groups of three to six people, including at least one child aged 16 or under.
Are there accessible performances?
Yes. Relaxed, signed and audio-described performances are scheduled. Check the official theatre website for details.
Where can I stay when visiting Darlington Hippodrome?
Room Ready Stays provides flexible accommodation in Darlington for visitors attending theatre performances, subject to availability.
Can a large family or group stay together?
Room Ready Stays offers individual room bookings and whole-house accommodation options. Contact us with your dates and group size to discuss availability.
Is Darlington worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes. Darlington offers Christmas entertainment, shopping, restaurants, local attractions and seasonal events, making it a convenient destination for a festive short break.
Book Your Christmas Stay in Darlington with Room Ready Stays
Beauty and the Beast promises to be one of Darlington’s major festive entertainment highlights for Christmas 2026.
Whether you’re visiting family, enjoying a couples’ weekend, attending with friends or travelling to Darlington for the pantomime, consider making the most of your visit with an overnight stay.
At Room Ready Stays, we offer comfortable, flexible accommodation and useful local guides to help visitors discover Darlington.
Planning to see Beauty and the Beast at Darlington Hippodrome?
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK DIRECT
Room Ready Stays is an independent accommodation provider and is not affiliated with Darlington Hippodrome or the Beauty and the Beast production. Performance details, cast, prices and availability may change.