Comedian and actor Tommy Cannon has announced his retirement from pantomime following record-breaking and sell out performances in Consett Empire’s 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 note, after starring in the best-selling pantomime run in Consett Empire theatre’s history.

The Northern Echo: Tommy made his pantomime debut in 1975 in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bradford Alhambra

Across 37 performances, over 16,400 people watched Tommy, alongside Leah Bell, Crissy Rock and a full supporting cast, in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Durham County Council-run venue.

Tommy played the Lord Mayor Tommy Tomato in this year’s production and has entertained Consett Empire audiences for the past two years after his debut as Emperor Tommisso Cannonisso in 2021’s performance of Aladdin.

The Northern Echo: Tommy Cannon has announced his retirement from pantomime following record-breaking and sell out

Audiences at the County Durham theatre bid an emotional and fond farewell to Tommy, who made his pantomime debut in Jack and the Beanstalk back in 1975, alongside his comedy partner Bobby Ball at the Bradford Alhambra.

At the end of his last panto performance, Leah and the rest of the cast paid tribute to the comedy actor with a special recording from his family which was played to audiences who gave him a standing ovation.

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Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “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.”

The Northern Echo: Leah will be returning to Empire Consett later this year to write, direct and star in Cinderella

Cinderella runs from Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 31 with accessible performances including a relaxed performance on Friday, December 27 at 11am and BSL interpreted performance on Saturday, December 28 at 3pm.