Comedic performer and actor Tommy Cannon has declared his withdrawal from pantomime engagements after his phenomenal and record-setting displays in Consett Empire’s production of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.
Tommy, who has been entertaining pantomime audiences for 48 years, is hanging up his costume and leaving the stage on a high, after starring in the best-selling pantomime run in the theatre’s history.
Over 16,400 people watched Tommy, alongside Leah Bell, Crissy Rock and a full supporting cast, spread fee-fi-fo-FUN across 37 performances of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Durham County Council-run venue.
Tommy, who played the Lord Mayor Tommy Tomato in this year’s production, has entertained Empire Consett audiences for the past two years after his debut as Emperor Tommisso Cannonisso in 2021’s performance of Aladdin.
Audiences at the County Durham theatre bid a fond farewell to Tommy, who made his pantomime debut in 1975 alongside comedy partner Bobby Ball in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bradford Alhambra.
Following his last panto performance, Leah and the cast paid tribute to the actor with a special recording from his family played to audiences who gave him a standing ovation.
“It has been a privilege to have Tommy perform in our pantomimes and to share in the joy he’s brought to our audiences. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
“We celebrated giant audiences at Consett this year, but the fun won’t stop there. Leah will be returning to Empire Consett later this year to write, direct and star in the most magical fairy-tale of all – Cinderella.
“Tickets are on sale now and audiences can expect a show packed full of adventure, fun, dazzling costumes, hit songs, audience participation and all their favourite characters.”
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships
Cinderella runs from Friday 29 November to Tuesday 31 December with accessible performances including a relaxed performance on Friday 27 December at 11am and BSL interpreted performance on Saturday 28 December at 3pm.
Tickets, priced from £10 are available from the box office on 03000 262 400 or online at www.empireconsett.co.uk/cinderella.
Ah what a shame our kids loved shouting rock on Tommy! We have took our whole school to see him when he’s appeared at Consett and the kids loved shouting rock on Tommy after the show, while waiting for our bus and even though he was on his way out he always waved to them x it was always a personal favourite of mine as my mam’s favourite act were cannon and ball x