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CBBC star to play the villain in York Theatre Royal pantomime

Mon 5 Jun

James Mackenzie will star in York Theatre Royal's 2023 pantomime. Photograph: York Theatre Royal

Mon 5 Jun 2023  @ 6:44am
Rachel Rogers
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Star of CBBC’s Raven, James Mackenzie, will play the villain in York Theatre Royal’s 2023 pantomime.

James played the immortal, leather-clad warrior in CBBC’s fantasy adventure game show Raven from 2002 to 2010. The character Raven led young warriors on a quest to test their skills and win their heart’s desire.

It spanned 15 series and won multiple BAFTA awards.

The Scottish actor will play the villainous Luke Backinanger in Jack and the Beanstalk at York Theatre Royal from 8 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.

He will join the previously announced pantomime favourite Robin Simpson, who is returning as the Dame.

Juliet Forster, creative director at York Theatre Royal said: “We are delighted to welcome James Mackenzie to the cast for this year’s panto Jack and the Beanstalk.

“James is such a well-loved children’s TV personality and we can’t wait to see him strut his stuff as the bad boy of panto.”

As well as starring on Raven, James has performed all over the UK in  everything from Macbeth to the musical Sunshine On Leith.

James has been introduced to a whole new generation as he starred in the smash-hit CBeebies series Molly and Mack. He has also been a part of the CBeebies Christmas shows and performed on stage at the Globe for CBeebies Shakespeare. 

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He has also made guest appearances on programmes such as Outlander and, of course, Taggart.

Jack and the Beanstalk is co-produced with Evolution and written by Paul Hendy – and promises lots of pantomime magic.

It follows the previous pantomimes at York Theatre Royal, the All New Adventures of Peter Pan and Cinderella.

As Raven would say – let the challenge begin!

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are already on sale, and start from £15 via the York Theatre Royal website.


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