A FAIRYTALE ENDING:  Couple who met in Theatre Royal Plymouth’s 2005 pantomime return 20 years later to relive the magic

Helen Noble (now Tudor) and Graham Tudor, a couple who met performing in Theatre Royal Plymouth’s 2005 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, returned to the city this week to mark their 20th anniversary. Their chance meeting in the festive production which featured the legendary Chuckle Brothers, became the beginning of a lifelong love story.

In 2005, both Helen and Graham were cast at the last minute in Jack and the Beanstalk, playing the roles of Jack and Princess Apricot, after unexpected changes in the production. Neither had been originally scheduled for the show, but both stepped in and found themselves performing alongside a talented cast that included the beloved comedic duo, Paul and Barry Chuckle.

While the show was filled with laughter and festive cheer, it was behind the scenes where Helen and Graham truly connected. Their shared experience on stage led to a deep bond that soon blossomed into romance. A year later, the couple returned to Plymouth when Graham proposed to Helen on Plymouth Hoe, marking the start of their life together.

Now married with children, the couple’s visit to Theatre Royal Plymouth this week marked two decades since that serendipitous meeting. They enjoyed a special behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre, revisiting the stage where their relationship began, and reflecting on the lasting impact the theatre had on their lives.

Their visit also took them to Plymouth Hoe, where Graham proposed - the place holds special significance, as it’s where their story truly began to unfold.

On their return to Plymouth, Helen said: “It really was a full circle moment walking back into TRP, once we were stood in the theatre it didn’t feel like 20 years had passed at all. We experienced the same warm welcome to Plymouth that we remember from all those years ago. 

“The theatre became a home to us over that panto season; we spent more time in the theatre than we did in our theatre digs! Both of us were away from family for Christmas and New Year and that is yet another reason why the theatre became such a special place for us. Little did we know that when we left Plymouth in January 2006 that we were beginning our future journey together and it meant the world to us to introduce our children to the place it all began."

Theatre Royal Plymouth staff were delighted to welcome the couple back, recognising their journey as a wonderful example of the magic theatre can create, bringing people together in ways that last a lifetime. For Helen and Graham, their love story began with a last-minute casting call and an unforgettable pantomime performance, and it’s clear that the memories from those early days will stay with them forever.

And that pantomime magic continues this Christmas, as TRP presents Dick Whittington - the pantomime paved with gold!  Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences know to expect from TRP, 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.

The show runs from Friday 12 December 2025 to Saturday 10 January 2026, promising entertainment for the whole family. For tickets and information, visit https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/dick-whittington/.