The Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield has opened its panto Jack and the Beanstalk and the show runs until December 31 2022.
Director/choreographer Rachel Gee has brought together a cast of seven actors from Yorkshire to craft a pantomime that will prove to be the perfect introduction to the magic of theatre for children and families. The panto has been written by Huddersfield favourite Andrew Pollard.
Jack and his mum are down on their luck, but when one day Jack sells the family’s cow for some magical beans, they’re taken on an adventure up into the clouds that will change their lives forever. It’s a traditional story with a modern edge for the 21st century.
Thomas Cotran is title hero Jack Trott, Alyce Liburd (Rita, Sue and Bob Too) returns as Princess Jill and Pete Toon takes to the stage in his dame debut as Dame Trott.
Joyce Branagh, whose credits include Coronation Street, plays King Crackpot, Emily Spowage steals the show as Jack’s sidekick Pat the Cow and Hayley Russell takes the role of Fairy Fortuna Fullobeans. James McLean (Appropriate Adult – BBC) plays the big baddie Gru-sum.
This award-winning pantomime is produced by the team at Lawrence Batley Theatre and sees the return of creatives including lighting designer Chris Brearley and sound designer Jonathan Hudson.
Talented composer, arranger and musical director Robert Cooper joins the creative team for the first time. Writer Andrew Pollard and Rachel Gee return to the creative team.
Gee previously took on the role of choreographer and assistant director for previous pantomimes at the venue and now she steps into the dual role of director/choreographer for Jack and the Beanstalk, supported by Joyce Branagh as assistant director.
Becky Atkinson, chief executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre, said: “We strive to showcase actors on our stage who look and sound like our audiences.
“I am pleased to share that all our cast members have natural regional accents, local to our theatre and are regularly seen on the Yorkshire stage.
“We are so proud to be trusted by families to introduce their children to the magic of live performance and pleased to welcome back audiences who have made visiting our pantomime their annual tradition.”
Tickets are available to buy via the Lawrence Batley Theatre website – click here or call their box office on 01484 430528.
