Sd Joins Rural Arts ON Tour 2025!

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Same Difference Theatre has been selected as the pantomime provider for Rural Arts’ ON Tour programme this Christmas. Our new adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk will be travelling across the North of England, bringing festive magic to community venues throughout the season.

What is Rural Arts ON Tour?

Rural Arts ON Tour is a rural touring scheme supporting professional arts in the heart of communities across North Yorkshire and the Tees Valley. 
Since 1999, the programme has worked with passionate volunteer promoters to bring theatrical, musical, dance, comedy, children’s and family performances to local village halls, community centres, and other non-traditional venues—often bringing first-rate professional shows to places that might otherwise not host them. 
Rural Arts

By collaborating with local volunteers who host, promote, and support events, ON Tour reaches audiences across a wide area—covering thousands of square miles and dozens of communities each year. 

The scheme helps keep community venues vibrant, enables access to art for rural audiences, and supports a wider ecosystem of performing artists and producers. 

This partnership matters because it aligns with Same Difference’s mission: bringing theatre, story, and performance into communities, not just in established theatres, but where people live.

Our Previous Rural Arts Pantomimes

We’re honoured to continue this relationship with Rural Arts. In past seasons, Same Difference has produced:

Cinderella (2021) — A classic family pantomime that toured under the ON Tour banner, delighting audiences across rural venues
Robin Hood (2023) — A fresh adaptation delivered in scenic, accessible, and community-rooted settings

These collaborations have strengthened our ability to build shows that travel well, connect with local audiences, and create memorable theatre right on people’s doorsteps.

This Year: Jack and the Beanstalk

This Christmas, we’re stepping back into the world of giants, beans, magic, and laughter. Our Jack and the Beanstalk adaptation retains the joy, music, and humour that families love — but is also designed to be flexible enough to suit smaller venues across rural landscapes.

Expect:
Rich visuals (giant props, atmospheric lighting) adapted for community halls
Musical numbers and audience interaction
Performers skilled at touring and performing in less conventional theatre spaces
A spirit of fun, warmth, and festive wonder
We’re especially excited to bring this show under the ON Tour umbrella, reaching places that may not often host pantomime productions.

Tour Dates & Booking Info

Want to catch us live? Full tour dates are available here → [TOUR DATES]

We’re touring throughout the north of England, hitting both small towns and rural communities. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a community event, you’ll find a Jack and the Beanstalk performance near you.