Jack and the Beanstalk gets a Leeds rugby giant

Sir Kevin Sinfield has stepped into the recording studio for an unexpected festive role: the voice of The Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk. The family pantomime runs at Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds from Friday, November 20, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027.

The production is aimed at families and is being staged by Carriageworks Theatre in partnership with Paul Holman Associates. Ticket prices and performance times were not included in the announcement from Leeds City Council, so prospective visitors will need to check the theatre’s event listing before booking.

Sinfield trades the rugby pitch for a fairytale role

Sinfield recorded his part at the Leeds-based Our House Studio, providing the voice of the story’s larger-than-life antagonist. It will be his first pantomime appearance, adding a distinctly local connection to the theatre’s festive production.

The former Leeds Rhinos captain said the city had played a major part in both his professional and personal life. He described joining the Christmas production as a privilege and said he was looking forward to hearing audiences boo The Giant.

His involvement is a voice performance rather than a conventional on-stage acting role. That distinction may matter to families booking specifically because of Sinfield’s name: audiences will hear him bring The Giant to life as part of the production.

Sinfield is known beyond rugby league for fundraising in honour of his late Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who died from motor neurone disease in 2024. According to the council’s announcement, his efforts have raised £11 million for MND charities. He has donated his pantomime fee to charity and is due to complete his final fundraising challenge in September, running an ultra-marathon on seven consecutive days.

Both Sinfield and Burrow were granted the freedom of Leeds, the city’s highest civic honour, in 2022. Sinfield has since received a knighthood.

What families can expect from the Leeds pantomime

Jack and the Beanstalk will combine its familiar story with musical numbers, costumes and audience participation. The production centres on bravery, family and believing in yourself, with The Giant giving audiences a clear character to boo as the action unfolds.

The extended run covers the weeks leading into Christmas, the school holiday period and the opening days of January. Its confirmed dates give families several weeks in which to consider a visit, although individual performance availability has not been provided in the council announcement.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said Sinfield’s voice would help make the production distinctive for families spending Christmas in Leeds. His recording also keeps the role closely connected to the city where he built his rugby career.

Dates, venue and booking details

Jack and the Beanstalk opens at Carriageworks Theatre on Friday, November 20, 2026, and closes on Sunday, January 3, 2027. Carriageworks Theatre and Paul Holman Associates are producing the pantomime, with Sir Kevin Sinfield credited as the voice of The Giant.

The available announcement does not specify performance times, ticket prices, the venue’s full address, transport guidance or accessibility arrangements. Families should consult the official Carriageworks Theatre event listing for the current schedule, prices and booking availability before choosing a performance.

Source: Leeds City Council