Shane Richie to return to Plymouth for the pants played with gold

 Theatre Royal Plymouth and pantomime producer Crossroads Pantomimes have today (06 June 2025) announced that television, recording, musical theatre and pantomime star Shane Richie will headline this year’s Theatre Royal pantomime, Dick Whittington in the title role from Friday 12 December 2025 to Saturday 10 January 2026. 

A celebrated panto legend, Shane returns to Plymouth following his acclaimed performance in 2022's hugely successful production of Sleeping Beauty, promising a festive adventure that’s pure gold. 

Shane Richie is a well-known star of prime-time television, acclaimed for his charismatic on screen presence. In addition to his illustrious television career, Shane has many theatre credits to his name, including the London West End and Manchester production of Grease, Boogie Nights, A Perfect Murder, Not Dead Enough, a sellout UK tour of Scrooge and has played ‘Hugo’ and ‘Loco Chanelle’ in Everybody’s Talking about Jamie in the West End and on UK tour. Most recently, Shane performed to sell out shows across the UK alongside his long-time pals Brian Conley, Joe Pasquale and Bradley Walsh as one quarter of the The Prat Pack. 

Shane said:

“I can’t wait to get back to Plymouth and catch up with friends I haven’t seen for a couple of years. Not only do I love this city but anyone who knows me knows how much I love the Theatre Royal and the audiences as they come out to have a good time which I love…so get ready to have a whole lotta laughs, a dash of festive spirit and a bucket load of mayhem… Dick Whittington is on his way (Oh and that’s me by the way!).

Dick Whittington is staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, led by Michael Harrison and the team behind recent Theatre Royal Plymouth Christmas successes including last year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Michael Harrison, Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes said:

“I’m so pleased that we’ll be welcoming Shane Richie back to our Plymouth panto. He’s an incredible panto performer, and I know audiences of all ages are in for a fantastic time. This year’s production of Dick Whittington will be bigger and better than ever, with spectacular sets and costumes from The London Palladium to make this a truly magical experience for everyone.” 

James Mackenzie-Blackman, Chief Executive and Artistic Director at Theatre Royal Plymouth said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Shane Richie back to Theatre Royal Plymouth for this year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington. He is a true showman whose energy, wit and charisma light up the stage, and our audiences love him. His return promises another spectacular festive season filled with laughter, magic and unforgettable moments for the whole family.”

Join Dick Whittington as he seeks fame, fortune, and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor. 

Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences know to expect from Theatre Royal Plymouth, don’t miss the action-packed pantomime that promises to be full of laugh-out-loud comedy, plenty of boos and hisses and lavish sets and costumes from The London Palladium.

Dick Whittington will play at Theatre Royal Plymouth, from 12 December 2025 - 10 January 2026. Tickets are available from https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/dick-whittington/.