The Hazlitt Theatre Launch their 2025 Panto
25th Sep - 31st Dec
On Tuesday, 16 September the Hazlitt Theatre officially launched their 2025 festive panto, Dick Whittington & His Cat!
For the first time, some of the pantomime cast convened at the Hazlitt Theatre to answer some of Maidstone’s burning questions alongside the panto’s creative team. Local press and invited guests got the chance to get to know the cast over food and refreshment provided by panto sponsors The Village Maidstone and Fred’s Wines. The event was captured by talented local photographer Jayson Worsfold at Homebug Photography.
The Worshipful Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr. Martin Round opened the event with a speech highlighting the Hazlitt Theatre’s importance to the local community.
Returning Maidstone pantomime favourites Joe Meloy, Sarah Rose Denton and Christopher Chandler joined new faces Caitlin Garcia, Emmanuel Duarte and Eleanor Sandars for the official Press Launch. During the exclusive press launch event held at the historic town-centre theatre, the incredible cast gave their first preview performance. This included a trademark comedy skit from resident dame, Joe Meloy, and a medley performance from the remaining cast.
The Theatre also hosted students from local school West Borough Primary at their press launch, who took part in the theatre’s summer tour school workshops of Wind Willows. The School Learning Council students had an opportunity to ask the cast their burning questions, including a very important one…
What happens when someone can’t make a performance?
Missing from the launch’s lineup were leading duo, Jared Leathwood (Dick Whittington) and Stuart Ash (Bruno Meows), who are currently on other tours. Jared Leathwood has opened the Asia leg of the Choir of Man tour in Shanghai this week, and Stuart Ash is currently touring with the National Theatre in Dear England. In Stuart’s place at the Press Launch was the Hazlitt Theatre’s alternate Bruno Meows and HI graduate, Ashley Snoding. Ashley will be appearing as Bruno Meows in pantomime performances in November, before Stuart returns in December to the Hazlitt for another pantomime season!
The Hazlitt Theatre announced their nominated pantomime charity as Wisteria Cat Rescue at their Press Launch too. The Kent-based charity helps cats in need. Their services pair up unwanted cats with loving forever homes and humans. The sustainability and success as a charity is entirely based on the goodwill of donors, continuous interest of key supporters and the selfless dedication, hard work and passion of their team and fosters.
With less than 100 days until Christmas and 45% of tickets booked already, don’t wait to book tickets to the Hazlitt Theatre’s Dick Whittington & his Cat. Running 29 November - 31 December 2025, tickets are on sale now on the Hazlitt Theatre website
