Jack and the Beanstalk brings rugby Giant to Leeds this Christmas

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-14 18:13 3 min read

Close-up black and white action shot of rugby players' legs and ball.

Sir Kevin Sinfield stepped into Leeds-based Our House Studio this week to record a role far removed from the rugby field. The former Leeds Rhinos captain will make his pantomime debut as the voice of The Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk.

The family production runs at Carriageworks Theatre from Friday, 20 November 2026, until Sunday, 3 January 2027. It is aimed at families visiting during the festive season and continues through Christmas and New Year.

The council announcement does not state the venue address, ticket prices or individual performance times. Booking information is available through Carriageworks Theatre’s event listing, so families should confirm their chosen date, start time and cost before planning a visit.

Sir Kevin swaps the rugby field for a recording booth

Sir Kevin is lending his voice to the fairytale antagonist rather than appearing physically as The Giant. His part was recorded at Our House Studio in Leeds, where he brought the larger-than-life character to the production.

The role keeps him closely connected to the city where he built his sporting career. Sir Kevin said Leeds had been a major part of his professional and personal life, adding: “I’ve faced a few giants in my rugby career, but voicing The Giant is a new kind of challenge.”

Jack and the Beanstalk brings rugby Giant to Leeds this Christmas

He also invited audiences to boo the character, placing his performance firmly within the audience-driven traditions of a family pantomime. Carriageworks Theatre and Paul Holman Associates are producing the show together.

Costumes, songs and audience participation

The production is set to combine musical numbers, costumes and audience participation with a story centred on bravery, family and believing in yourself. Sir Kevin’s recorded performance gives the familiar tale a distinctly Leeds connection without changing its focus as a festive family show.

His involvement also follows the longstanding association between his public life, Leeds and former teammate Rob Burrow. The pair received the freedom of Leeds, the city’s highest civic honour, in 2022.

Sir Kevin has raised £11 million for Motor Neurone Disease charities in Burrow’s memory. He is due to undertake his final fundraising challenge in September, running an ultra-marathon on each of seven consecutive days, and has donated his pantomime fee to charity.

A Leeds voice for the festive auditorium

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, described Sir Kevin as a local hero whose sporting achievements and charity work have made him an inspiration across the city. She said hearing his voice as The Giant would add a recognisable local presence for families attending over Christmas.

For households already following the production, a separate magic beanstalk contest offers Leeds families the chance to win tickets.

Anyone ready to select a performance should use the Jack and the Beanstalk event listing provided by Carriageworks Theatre, which is the booking and information route identified in the council announcement.

Source: Leeds City Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

The dates, venue, performer and production details were taken from the published Leeds City Council announcement.

Checks