Shakespeare’s Globe is delighted to announce the cast of its brand-new musical Pinocchio, which will premiere in the Globe Theatre on 29 November and run throughout the festive season until 4 January. Directed by Globe Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes (Romeo and Juliet), the production features a book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine (Cowbois, RSC/Royal Court) and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune (Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear).

The company includes Lee Braithwaite as Pinocchio, Jennifer Caldwell as Ensemble/Swing, Michael Elcock as Carpenter/Rabbit Prince Charming, Kerry Frampton as Fox, Jamal Franklin as Ensemble/Swing, Ed Gaughan as Stromboli, Nick Holder as Geppetto, Lizzy Ives as Ensemble/Swing, Lucy McCormick as Blue Fairy/Cat, Kody Mortimer as Ensemble/Swing and Steven Webb as Jiminy Cricket/Coachman. Puppeteers Stan Middleton, Aya Nakamura and Andrea Sadler complete the cast. Casting is by Becky Paris CDG, Head of Casting at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Sean Holmes said: “It’s a privilege to be part of the team bringing this magical new musical to the Globe this Christmas. Like the story itself, we hope the production makes the impossible possible.”

The creative team includes design by Grace Smart, puppetry direction and design by Peter O’Rourke, sound design by Tony Gayle, orchestrations by Zac Gvi, associate direction by Roberta Zuric, choreography by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu and musical direction by Benjamin Holder.

Audiences can also enjoy a Pinocchio-themed afternoon tea at Swan at the Globe, running from 3 September until early 2026, with classic, vegetarian and Geppetto-inspired savoury options available. The Globe shop will stock a special seasonal collection alongside Shakespeare-inspired gifts, while festive family tours from 16 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 will explore how Christmas was celebrated in Shakespeare’s time. Two workshops inspired by Pinocchio will run from 29 November to 20 December 2025: a puppetry and drama workshop for 5–8-year-olds, and a companion workshop for 9–12-year-olds, offering young people and their families the chance to bring the story to life.

For more information and tickets visit: www.shakespearesglobe.com