Thursday 18 July 2013

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Pantomime Press Launch July 2013


The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon's number one entertainment venue announce Jack And The Beanstalk - the giant of all pantomimes as this year's festive spectacular from Qdos Pantomimes. Starring Dancing On Ice's TV favourite Keith Chegwin who returns for a third year after success in Cinderella and Aladdin - the theatre's two best selling pantomimes, wey hey!

"As with many theatres in the UK, the Wyvern has forged a strong connection with the pantomime's leading star," says Theatre Director Derek Aldridge. "We love Keith, the audience love Keith and it's therefore my pleasure to invite him back to the Wyvern!"

This year is Keith's third consecutive year in Swindon!

This year's launch was held at Roves Farm - one of Swindon's top family attractions with the Wyvern's annual pantomime being another, "I am delighted that we are bringing these two fine institutions together," said Derek Aldridge. "It was an absolute thrill to see Daisy the cow (not to mention Cheggers) meet the animals at Roves!"

Jack and the Beanstalk is the most agricultural of pantomimes and tells the story of Jack (Samuel Parker) who sells his cow Daisy in order for his mother, Dame Trot (David Ashley) to make ends meet. Jack sells the cow for magic beans which with the help of a Fairy (Jennifer Greenwood) grows to become the biggest beanstalk in the land, with a GIANT surprise at the top!

Keith Chegwin, Jennifer Greenwood, Samuel Parker & David Ashley

Samuel Parker who plays Jack recently graduated from Arts Educational Schools, London. His theatre credits include Peter Pan in Peter Pan, Dancer/Understudy Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty (both at The Beck Theatre), Buddy in Steel Pier (The Union Theatre) and Christmas in New York (The Prince Of Wales).

Like Keith, David Ashley is also making his third Swindon pantomime appearance. Having been an Ugly Sister in Cinderella and Abanazar in Aladdin, Swindon can look forward to seeing him as Dame Trot. David's extensive theatre career includes Blood Brothers (Phoenix Theatre), Les Misérables (Palace Theatre), Cats (New London Theatre/UK Tour) and Starlight Express (Apollo Victoria Theatre) to name but a few.

Jennifer Greenwood will be making her pantomime debut in Swindon this year. The pantomime will be directed by Guy Unsworth and will feature an ensemble of dancers from Laine Theatre Arts.

David Ashley & Keith Chegwin

"This year's pantomime will be the Wyvern's biggest one yet!" said producer Daryl Back. "I'm thrilled to be working with Keith Chegwin and David Ashley once more - I can guarantee GIANT laughs when they take to the stage this year as mother and son!" Almost 10,000 tickets have already been sold and there are ticket prices to suit all pockets - so you won't have to sell the family cow to enjoy the biggest pantomime in Swindon! Don't delay in booking here! Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Saturday 7th December 2013 - Sunday 5th January 2014.

In the first of four podcasts from the Wyvern Theatre Samuel Parker talks about his pantomime memories and being part of creating the memories for a new generation of children! Listen below. 



In the second podcast David Ashley talks about his first panto at the Wyvern Theatre in 1986 and coming back year after year!



Jennifer Greenwood talks about the traditions of Pantomime and experiencing Swindon first hand!



Singing, playing the ukelele and tap dancing - all in a days work for Keith Chegwin, the final podcast reveals!



Click here for SwindonWeb's video coverage of the day and interview with Keith! 

★ Praise for ALADDIN 2012/13 

The highest of production standards including exquisite costumes, sparkling sets and impressive special effects, this is one panto you shouldn't miss! A top notch production.
BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

Any production around this time of year should be full of glitter, dance, slapstick comedy and the odd innuendo thrown in for fun - and that's certainly what you get!
TOTAL SWINDON

An enjoyable collaboration between prodigious pantomime producer Qdos Entertainment and the small but beautifully formed One From The Heart.
THE STAGE

The dancing and songs were pretty damn good! The ensemble used in the production were total quality throughout!
THE OCELOT

Click here to visit the website and book for Jack And The Beanstalk now!
Alternatively, visit the theatre in person or 
call the Box Office on 01793 524 481

3 comments:

  1. please make it easier to find your home town panto, it has taken me 15 minutes and still not able to book

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    1. Hi, if you're trying to book for Jack And The Beanstalk at the Wyvern Theatre you can do so just above, the link is after the praise for Aladdin. However, this isn't a booking website so you won't be able to search for local pantomimes - I suggest you type your local theatre into Google and book directly via their website. Thanks.

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  2. I love the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon I always go there for the pantomime and it is amazing and Keith Chegwin is so good and he is always in it. Thank you for doing this blog it is so interesting and you do really good interviews and backstage things that people like to read more than lots of reviews!! Xx

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