Beauty and the Beast will take centre stage at newly transformed venue
Beauty and the Beast is set to take centre stage at 1435 in December 2026, bringing festive family fun to the newly transformed venue where people and stories meet.
The iconic story is set in a charming French town, and the classic tale follows book-loving Belle as she dreams of starting a new chapter. But life isn’t quite the Paris‑dise she hoped for – and she soon finds herself swept into an unexpected adventure. Alongside her friend Jacques and his meddling mother, Betty Bon Bon, Belle becomes trapped in the mysterious castle of an intriguing beast.
This “beast” of a fairy‑tale adventure is being brought to Chesterfield by award‑winning producers Little Wolf Entertainment. Audiences can expect high production values, lavish scenery, striking costumes and impressive effects. The company is known for its strong casting and original scripts packed with laughter.
Winners of the UK Pantomime Award for “Best Pantomime” last year – and with multiple nominations in this year’s awards – Little Wolf are the only pantomime company to hold a critics’ choice and 5‑star rating from The Stage for five consecutive years. Their productions have collected 11 wins at the prestigious Panto Awards.
Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles of Little Wolf Entertainment said:
“As a Derbyshire based company, we couldn’t be more proud to be working with the team to create this spectacular pantomime for this revitalised, iconic building. We hope audiences will ‘be our guests’ back in Chesterfield’s home of pantomime to share in all the magic and mayhem that makes Panto such a special part of Christmas.”
This year’s pantomime will be hosted at 1435 – bringing together entertainment and heritage under one roof, in a multi-million-pound transformation designed to delight, inform and entertain visitors.
Featuring a 625-seat theatre, expanded museum with thoughtful displays throughout the building, two bars, improved facilities and more flexible spaces, visitors will be thrilled to experience the magic of pantomime in this prestigious venue.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:
“Pantomime is our most important show because it helps introduce new audiences to the theatre and provides fantastic entertainment for families. We know it’s been an annual tradition for many locals to see our pantomime, and we can’t wait for them to experience everything 1435 has to offer whilst creating incredible memories together.”
Casting for Beauty and the Beast will be announced soon.
Beauty and the Beast will be at 1435 from 4 December 2026 until 3 January 2027. Tickets are priced from £20.50 to £27.
Accessible performances include signed, audio described, relaxed and a touch tour for blind or partially sighted customers.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting: chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk
For more magical events happening in and around Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk
