Full company for How The Grinch Stole Christmas! revival announced

The cast joining Joel Montague in the cast of Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Leeds Playhouse this Christmas has been revealed.

The production, directed by Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director Tom Wright, will run in the Quarry Theatre from 19 November 2026 to 16 January 2027.

Jack Arnold will make his stage debut as Young Max, with Matt Sutton playing Old Max, with the residents of Who-ville played by Alison Fitzjohn (as Grandma Who), Luke Latchman (as Papa Who), Sharon Wattis (as Mama Who) and Timothy Speyer (as Grandpa Who).

The ensemble comprises Tom Ansell, Sèyí Awe, Kathryn Barnes, Emily Barnett-Salter, Jessica Barton, Jack Campbell, Zephaniah Gould, Harumi Maeda, Cara Gabrielle Thomas and Jacob Whawell.

The production will also feature 14 young performers: Aba Batista, Lulu Barker, Jack Booth, Rudy Bragg, Zane Chaba, Minnie Day, Issa Leach, Ellie McArdle, Oliver Maurice, Karis Musongole, Cole Nicholson, Harper Philpott, Haiden Sihapanya and Isabel Zhang.

The young company was selected following an open casting call launched by Leeds Playhouse and children’s casting directors Keston & Keston, with hundreds of young people from across the North of England submitting self-tapes before workshops and recalls.

Wright said: “This is exactly the company this show deserves. It’s a brilliant mix of talent, including some wonderful performers with strong Leeds and Yorkshire connections, all coming together to fill the Quarry with joy, energy and festive spirit. Bringing Who-ville to life on our stage this Christmas is going to be something really special, and I can’t wait for audiences to feel that for themselves.”

The creative team comprises set and costume designer Simon Higlett, assistant designer and costume supervisor Rachael Griffin, choreographer Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, wigs, hair and makeup designer and supervisor Alice Hardy, lighting designer Jai Morjaria, sound designers Rob Bettle and Sam Clarkson for Sound Quiet Time, musical supervisor Nick Barstow, musical director Livi Van Warmelo, assistant musical director Jonathan Mitra, band fixers Andy Barnwell and Richard Weeden of BW Musicians Ltd, associate director Gitika Buttoo, video designer Gino Ricardo Green, adult casting director Annelie Powell, casting associate Charlotte Agnew Fox, and young company casting directors and general managers Keston & Keston.

Produced in association with Running Subway, the production features a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, and is based on Dr. Seuss’s story.

Tickets are on sale now, with additional performances added on Sunday 3 and Sunday 10 January at 12.30pm. The season will also include Relaxed and Dementia Friendly performances, alongside educational workshops from the Playhouse Connect team.