Meet our pantomime dame: Edward Rowe!

From the team that brought you Peter Pan, this year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk, a Cornwall Playhouse Production in association with Falmouth University, promises to be a giant pantomime spectacular - with the announcement today that Edward Rowe will, for the very first time, take on the role of the Dame!

A dame prepares...

As our hero Jack’s hapless Mum, Edward makes a welcome return following his Captain Hook in the smash-hit Peter Pan last year. The 2023 Christmas Show from Cornwall Playhouse Productions was a hit with audiences, breaking all previous records and winning national critical acclaim. Hot on its heels, Jack and the Beanstalk looks set to embrace the very best pantomime traditions while exploring Cornwall’s historic love affair with the stories and myths of giants.

In recent years, Edward has won the hearts of Cornish audiences with his turns as Long John Silver and Captain Hook for Cornwall Playhouse Productions. And now he’s swapping out his hook for high heels.

Edward Rowe as Captain Hook in Peter Pan (2023)

Edward Rowe as Long John Silver in Treasure Island (2022)

As an actor, writer, and Cornish comedy national treasure, Edward Rowe (Kernow King) has devoted himself to Cornish culture, language and heritage. He wrote, produced and starred in Trevithick!, Hireth, The Cornwall Coliseum, and The Cornish Caretakers, and his short Cornish language film, Mab Hudel (Magical Son) was a hit. Edward is also a co-writer and host of BBC Radio 4's sketch show Wasson Cornwall, where he stars opposite with Dawn French.

Nationally, he’s known for his roles in BAFTA-winning film Bait, Fisherman’s Friends the Musical, and TV roles in Alex Rider, The Witcher, House of the Dragon, Strike and Beyond Paradise.

When asked about the new role, Edward Rowe said...

“Yes, that’s right, I'm back – and this time I’m playing the dashing Dame, Jack’s mum. It’s been firmly on the bucket list for me to take on the role of the Dame, following in such a strong pantomime tradition and with so many acting icons over the years donning a frock for a festive turn. If you’re ready to have nightmares about a 6-foot Cornishman in a pretty dress, then come and see me and the brilliant team in what’s sure to be a riotous and heartwarming show.”

HfC CEO and Jack and the Beanstalk Executive Producer Julien Boast said...

"We’re delighted Edward Rowe will step into the heeled shoes of pantomime Dame for the very first time – we know he'll be a perfect fit in our brand-new take on an historic Cornish fairytale. Expect a dash of Cornish mythology, a large helping of pantomime joy and all the magic and mayhem that you know and love. No matter how old you are, everyone wants to find some magic beans and live the life they’ve always dreamed – and this year, we’re celebrating just that. I can’t wait to see the Cornwall Playhouse sprout to life with giants, fairytales and another uplifting family adventure.” 

Book now for Jack and the Beanstalk (Fri 06 – Tue 31 Dec) at the Cornwall Playhouse.

Photos by Hugh Hastings.