The Kings Theatre in Southsea, Portsmouth, has opened general ticket sales today, 6 February 2026, for its 2026 adult-only production of Jack and the Beanstalk. The late-night, adult-only version of the traditional pantomime — often billed as the theatre’s “naughty” or “mucky” panto — has become a local phenomenon, known for risqué humour, musical numbers and improv aimed at mature audiences. The shows typically sell out quickly and offer a very different experience from the family-friendly performances staged during daytime and earlier evening slots.
The 2026 production marks the 12th year for creative lead Jack Edwards, who will once again appear as the Panto Dame and bring his signature humour to the role. The adult version of the Pompey Panto received widespread attention after a Portsmouth News report that a local woman went into labour during a previous season; that incident was widely reported and helped raise demand for this year’s run. Theatre staff say strong demand has cemented the adult show as a cornerstone of their annual calendar.
The Kings Theatre is on Albert Road in Southsea. Venue listings (What’s On Stage and the theatre’s own materials) show a capacity of about 1,450 seats. The Edwardian building was designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1907; it is operated by Kings Theatre Trust Ltd, a charitable trust. The trust and venue continue to fund and raise money for an ongoing, multi-million-pound restoration of the historic Grade II* listed theatre.
Senior leaders at the venue, including CEO Richard Pearce, have recently worked closely with the New Theatre Royal under a unified management structure aimed at protecting and strengthening Portsmouth’s theatre sector. The adult-only pantomimes are a significant revenue stream for the venue and are credited with boosting late-night footfall for bars and restaurants along Albert Road, an important part of the local evening economy.
Tickets are available via the theatre’s official website and the box office. The 2026 Pompey Panto run is scheduled across December 2026, and the adult-only late-night performances are scheduled in late December 2026 (the venue’s publicity lists late-December adult nights, for example 28–29 December 2026); readers should check the Kings Theatre website or box office for the confirmed adult-night dates and availability. Organisers advise booking early given the show’s history of selling out.
