Cast and creative team announced for this year’s pantomime
With The Adventures of Pinocchio smashing box office records last year, the Grand Opera House premieres another new pantomime title on its iconic stage this festive season with a magical production of The Little Mermaid.
Guaranteed to be a festive treat for all ages, Northern Ireland’s biggest pantomime has already sold well over half of all tickets for the six-week run which opens at the end of November.
The enchanting tale features the Grand Opera House pantomime hallmark of thrilling song-and-dance, glittering costumes, dazzling staging, jaw-dropping special effects, and laugh-out-loud comedy.
Belfast’s much-loved pantomime Dame, May McFettridge, who has appeared on the Theatre’s stage over 3,000 times, leads the cast as Queen May. Joining May in her record-breaking 36th Grand Opera House pantomime season are Belfast panto favourites Paddy Jenkins, as The King, and Adam C Booth as Conor Crabsticks.
Following her stand-out and highly acclaimed performances as The Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Captain Hook in The Adventures of Peter Pan, and The Great Stromboli in The Adventures of Pinocchio, Jolene O’Hara swaps a villainous character this year to play the kind-hearted role of The Sea Spirit.
Completing the line-up are Jalisa Phoenix-Roberts, Rhiannon Chesterman and Adam Gillian.
Jalisa plays The Sea Witch and has appeared in numerous pantomimes and Christmas shows across the UK including Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Pinocchio and Nativity! The Musical.
Belfast-born Rhiannon takes on the title role of Ariel, the Little Mermaid, and returns to the Grand Opera House stage having performed the role of Princess Beauty in Sleeping Beauty. Her other credits include We Will Rock You, Rock of Ages UK & Ireland tour, and Grease UK & Ireland tour.
Adam Gillian originally from Armagh, makes his Grand Opera House panto debut, and plays the role of Prince Eric. Adam’s credits include Hope Street, Doctors, the National Theatre’s Hadestown, and The Importance of Being Earnest at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre.
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House said: “Northern Ireland’s biggest Christmas show deserves a stellar cast and the best creative team to bring the magic of panto to audiences. I’m delighted that Michael Harrison, one of the West End’s most prolific and celebrated producers, will deliver another exhilarating theatrical extravaganza.
“Since the Theatre first opened its doors in 1895, the Grand Opera House panto has become a festive tradition holding a special place in the hearts of many generations of families. With over 76,000 people expected to attend during the six-week run, and tickets selling faster than ever, don’t wait any longer to secure your seats for your family and friends.”
The Little Mermaid is created by the award-winning team behind the Theatre’s recent productions of The Adventures of Pinocchio, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and is staged by the biggest pantomime company in the world, Crossroads Pantomimes, led by Olivier award-winning producer Michael Harrison.
As well as producing and directing the last ten world-famous London Palladium pantomimes, Michael’s touring productions of The Bodyguard, The Wizard of Oz and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, have enjoyed sell-out runs at the Grand Opera House. His recent production of Miss Saigon, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, was one of the theatrical highlights of Spring 2026 with packed houses and standing ovations for all performances. In partnership with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Michael will also present a spectacular new production of the multi-award-winning musical CATS at the Grand Opera House as part of a UK and Ireland tour in March 2027.
Michael Harrison said: “Following the phenomenal success of The Adventures of Pinocchio, we’re thrilled to bring The Little Mermaid to the Grand Opera House this festive season. Belfast audiences’ love of pantomime is truly extraordinary, and this year we have another exceptional cast led by the legendary May McFettridge. The Grand Opera House has such a rich pantomime tradition, and we’re proud to continue that legacy with another world-class production for Northern Ireland’s biggest Christmas show.”
The Little Mermaid is directed by Alan Harding who has worked with many global stars including Tina Turner, Tom Jones and Robbie Williams, and choreographed by Sharon Harding who has danced with Bruce Forsyth, Cilla Black and Shane Richie over the years. Lighting design is by Matt Davies, set design is by Andrew Exeter, Nick Lodge is the sound designer and Gary Hind is the show’s musical director.
Northern Ireland’s biggest pantomime is, once again, sponsored by Dale Farm, which marks the tenth year of the long-standing partnership. The Little Mermaid runs from Saturday 28 November 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027. Early booking is recommended. For more information, or to book tickets, visit goh.co.uk.
