Richard’s most recent pantomime production, ‘Sleeping Beauty and the Beast’, toured 25 venues across North Yorkshire in 2024-25

“York writer, director and composer Kay’s delightfully playful show. 

Sleeping Beauty And The Beast is a panto-mash-up of Sleeping Beauty and Beauty And The Beast from the inquisitive, anarchic mind of Richard Kay. And what a smash of a mash he makes in this madcap marriage.”

Charles Hutchinson – full review here

Richard has developed significant experience in writing, directing and performing in pantomimes. This began with performing in four of Berwick Kaler’s pantomimes at York Theatre Royal, playing the role of the villain’s henchman. He then proceeded to play Buttons and then Dick Whittington in pantomimes at Nottingham Playhouse written and directed by Kenneth Alan Taylor.

“Richard Kay is a panto expert. He understands the classic form and excels at keeping performers on their toes and the audience at the heart of the process. Always funny and always appropriate for family audiences.”                    

Kate Bramley, Artistic Director of Badapple Theatre Company

As resident writer and director for 10 years at York Maze, Richard wrote and produced no fewer than 11 half-hour pantomime scripts for the attraction.

“York maze has worked with Richard for many years now, and he has written and produced a great range of scripts and shows for us. His writing is always top quality, appealing to the kids and adults through great use of humour, puns and topical jokes that work on different levels for all of the audience. Our annual “Phantomime” is always eagerly anticipated by our visitors, and never disappoints !”                                                          

Tom Pearcy, Owner of York Maze

Richard has also written and directed three full pantomimes for Badapple Youth Theatre, writing a further two, and created an Easter show, with elements of pantomime, for the Visit York and Little Vikings Easter festival entitled The Hunt for the Magical Chocolatey Chick.

“Richard really worked his panto magic for the Easter show at the York Easter Festival. His script sparkled, with great jokes, catchy songs and a story that was just right for our family audience. The feedback was fantastic, with many families telling us that they were still singing the Chocolatey Chick song several weeks later! He’s a true pantomime professional and a pleasure to work with, too.”

Polly Bennett, Little Vikings

Having written and directed his first professional pantomime tour in 2024 for Badapple Theatre and Rural Arts, Richard looks forward to future Panto endeavours. For excerpts of his pantomime writing, click here