JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Review December 2013

It may only be a 635 seat venue but the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon always celebrates the festive season with a giant pantomime... appropriately so this year with a thrilling production of Jack And The Beanstalk. Once again, Qdos Pantomimes and One From The Heart combine to create Swindon's ultimate festive attraction. 

For a third year, Keith Chegwin returns in a madcap role, Billy this year... and he is silly! Cheggers' entrance is met with a wall of sound and boy it's loud! There's a warmth that Keith exudes and a strong connection between him and the townsfolk of Swindon, it's clear to see why he's welcomed back. However, you're not going to get off lightly by sitting back with a packet of Maltesers when Cheggers is involved... standing up, shouting, screaming, pointing, singing... the lot... and you do it... I was shimmying with someone's granny at one point! Complete and utter madness from start to finish but you'd search for a lifetime to find someone who does panto better than Cheggers. 

David Ashley, Keith Chegwin and Samuel Parker

Also returning to the Wyvern this year is David Ashley who's Dame couldn't be further from last year's villain Abanaza. A complete contrast, here we have an experienced dame - not a bloke in a frumpy frock harping on about a dead husband for two hours... of course there's the necessary amount of that but also a plethora of witty one-liners and clever audience participation - a credit to the writer Simon Aylin. 

Jennifer Greenwood makes an excellent fairy - Fairy Nuff who impresses with a rendition of Defying Gravity to close the first half, a spectacle to rival that of Wicked. Simon Wegrzyn is a very strong Fleshcreep who flits in and out of Childcatcher mode and Riff Raff from the Rocky Horror Show and  is excellent at sustaining a riotous booing. Andrew Whitehead is a great addition as the bumbling old King Manypence and Maria Holmes proves to be a tuneful Harp.

Jennifer Greenwood as Fairy Nuff

Samuel Parker is hero Jack and is every bit the man the young boys in the audience want to be. Laden with an axe and belting out hits of One Direction he's a pretty cool dude! Hollie Evans completes the pairing as Jill perfectly and brings the show into a more tender tone with her beautifully sung solo. 

Joanna Goodwin is perhaps the unsung hero of the show, as choreographer she has put together the ultimate team of dancers. Swindon pantomime always has a strong ensemble and the team of second and third year students from Laine Theatre Arts are as ever the consummate professionals with boundless energy throughout. Exciting tap routines are rare in most shows other than 42nd Street but here it's all on show, even Cheggers manages to fit in a few wings! Daisy the cow can also tap dance... who knew!? "Lainey's" are often the ones to look out for and this bunch are destined for a fine future. 

Keith Chegwin as Silly Billy with the ensemble.

Musical Director Robert Rayner is on fine form and great musical supervision from Ben Kennedy once again delivers the perfect blend of revised chart hits and some great but lesser known pantomime songs - even a Chegwinised version of the Friends theme tune is thrown into the mix!

Another unmissable family pantomime that prides itself on giant production values and prices to suit all pockets - so you won't have to sell the family cow to afford tickets! Be quick though - they're selling fast and the pantomime runs until Sunday 5 January 2014. You can book tickets by visiting the box office in person, calling 01793 524 481 or online here. 

Listen to the entire pantomime podcast coverage of interviews throughout the rehearsal process:

Cast List: Keith Chegwin, Simon Wegrzyn, Jennifer Greenwood, Samuel Parker, David Ashley, Andrew Whitehead, Hollie Evans, Maria Holmes, Aaron Jenkins, Reece Kerridge, Billy Mahoney, Zac Watts.

Related Articles
Press Launch Coverage
Interview with Keith Chegwin
Aladdin 2012 Review

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

Farewell JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) 2012 - 2013

Once upon a time, back in June 2012 Qdos Pantomimes launched Jack And The Beanstalk at the Novotel, Wolverhampton to be this year's 'Giant Pantomime Spectacular' at the Grand Theatre. There was a feast fit for a giant and beanstalks growing out of each table! Astoundingly at this point in the year and with only Sherrie Hewson, Keith Harris and Orville just announced, over 14,000 tickets had already been sold.

With the theatre's online social media presence as ever-growing as the Beanstalk, Facebook and Twitter hosted the announcement for another three panto stars in July. Niki Evans as Fairy Fortune, Ken Morley as King Crumble and pantomime legend Nigel Ellacott as Dame Trot. In September Nigel hosted a pantomime Race Night where pantomime horses raced around the track at the Wolverhampton Racecourse. As with the initial launch, a delicious three course meal followed! Earlier that day Nigel went to meet Tallulah the Tapir at Dudley Zoo, a friend who he has remained close to throughout the run of the show. Orville also visited the zoo with Keith to be one of the first to try out the new chair-lift. A firm favourite at the zoo, Orville was guest of honour to open their brand new offices earlier in January. 

With many of the stars announced there was rising anticipation on who would be cast as this year's hero Jack. In October it was announced that West End star Ben James-Ellis would be the heartthrob hero and we met up with him at the theatre for his press day. Straight from the stage in the touring production of Dreamboats and Petticoats Ben said that that he loves panto and couldn't wait to start. "It's so festive and you become part of a really close family." You can read my full interview with Ben here. 

Ken Morley got his press launch in November at Bantock House with the newly announced princess, Laine Theatre Arts graduate Sophie Brooke-Ford. There were jokes aplenty and a hilarious insight into Ken's Tipton origins!

The Grand Theatre also hosted Nigel Ellacott's Panto Roadshow teaching schools across the borough about the traditions of pantomime with Birmingham's pantomime dame Andrew Ryan. More about that can be read here. 

Turning on Wolverhampton's Christmas lights this year was leading-lady Sherrie Hewson. She was joined by the Mayoress of Wolverhampton and even Spongebob Squarepants. The event was a huge success and soon afterwards Sherrie went back to London to join the rest of the cast at the rehearsal studios. 

Completing the cast, the dancers were announced as Frankie Armitage, Lucian Collier, Oliver Dale, Sian Harriman, Matthew Hartley, Angela Sheppard, Bryony Thompson and Robert Tregoning.  The full rehearsal process can be read at Nigel Ellacott's Dame's Diary. 

The Wolverhampton Art Gallery made a giant beanstalk that was carried across town and into the theatre to be installed in the stalls foyer and wound around a post that stretched all the way up to the Grand Circle bar! The video of it's journey can be viewed here. 

For Panto Day (5th December) I joined the cast in their tech-rehearsal at the theatre. This was their first day of tech-ing the panto after two days of get-in. As to be expected we had costume malfunctions, missed song cues, entrances from the wrong side but that's what rehearsals are for! All was fine on the opening night and Press Night (11th December) was a huge success. 

Sherrie Hewson and Ken Morely visited the Express And Star newspaper offices and her video interview for the paper is filmed here. Christmas audiences were full of cheer and many of the cast travelled hundreds of miles after the show on Christmas Eve to spend Christmas day with their families. Their Christmas messages, including Orville's concern about what was being served up for dinner can be heard here. 

There were sign language interpreted performances by Sean Fitzsimmons on 9th, 10th and 12th January as well as audio described performances by Anne Hornsby. Always at the forefront of access for people of all abilities the Grand Theatre also held 'Touch Tours' and 'The Sound Of Panto' where deaf and visually impaired audiences got the chance to feel the vibrations made by the instruments, feel the fabrics of the costumes (as modelled by the dancers), meet Day-Zee the cow and get an insight into how the giant comes to life. More can be read here at the Grand Backstage Blog.

There were competitions for schools throughout the panto season including the chance for two budding artists work to be turned into a Jack And The Beanstalk mural on the wall of the theatre. Kyram Stone, aged 11 from Hill Avenue Primary School and Zoe Woods, also 11 from St Dominic's High School for Girls. The winning school for growing the tallest beanstalk were St Paul's First School with a giant 165cm and they won a visit to the pantomime.

Panto Fairy Niki Evans celebrated her 40th Birthday this year whilst our hero Ben turned 24. Dancer Angela Sheppard also enjoyed a Birthday in pantoland.

On the penultimate day of shows, Saturday 19th January, dancer Sian Harriman understudied the part of Fairy Fortune in the absence of Niki Evans.

Sian Harriman as Fairy Fortune

This year the pantomime has had it's very own website and reviews have been added to the virtual beanstalk in their hundreds! Now we've reached the top and the castle has opened it's drawbridge and a very special prize is at the top! Click here to find out now: http://grandtheatrepanto.co.uk

Dancer Angela Sheppard reflects on her time in Wolverhampton: "It's been pretty hard work! Our day starts at 1:10pm to prep for the show... warm-up, make-up, hair. The dressing room has been our second home with a fridge and a kettle and it's a great social meeting point between shows. The cast are great and very easy to get along with, we have particular banter with Ken!! We have a very playful cast who are always playing jokes. My favourite part of the show is the beanstalk growing - I think it looks very real! My favourite part of the whole run though has to be having a fire alarm evacuation during the second half of the show and seeing two Teletubbies, a dame, Medieval villagers and fairy outside in the street! It was very amusing. I will be sad to say goodbye to such a beautiful theatre and such friendly staff."

Angela Sheppard and the cast outside in the rain during the evacuation.

Dancer, Matthew Hartley: "Wolverhampton, it's been a pleasure!"

Dancer, Frankie Armitage: "Thank-you to everyone at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, I've had such an amazing experience working there, such lovely people and a fantastic theatre!"

Dancer, Sian Harriman: "I've had the most amazing time in Pantoland. I've met some amazing people and will miss you all!"

Princess Apricot, Sophie Brooke-Ford: "Had the best time at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. I'm going to miss being a princess and all the wonderful people I've got to work with every day!"

Jack, Ben James-Ellis: "Thank-you to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and all the staff for making it a lovely home for the past 8 weeks! Such a friendly and warm place to work! Great to be part of such an amazing production! x"

Dame Trot, Nigel Ellacott: "Thank-you Grand Theatre and to all who look after you, it's been a fab season!"

Lady Temple-Savage, Sherrie Hewson: "Thank-you to the beautiful Wolverhampton Grand Theatre for a great panto season! Audiences were fantastic and everyone who works there are amazing, and what a wonderful cast too!"

So that's it! It's very sad to say goodbye to what has been without a doubt the most fun Wolverhampton has had at Christmas but we can look forward to Saturday 7th December 2013 where Joe Pasquale brings Sleeping Beauty to town! Tickets are already on sale and you can book here: http://www.grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=683&sC=page10

Photos courtesy of The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Nigel Ellacott, Express and Star, Scott Bird and Qdos. 

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Review December 2012

After what seemed like a lifetime, Jack And The Beanstalk has finally arrived in Wolverhampton. Qdos Pantomimes brings the magic of Cloudland, Benidorm's Solana Resort, Coronation Street and Bilston Market together in the most random collection of hilarity and fun.

Our lovestruck couple are West End star - Any Dream Will Do's Ben James-Ellis and Sophie Brooke-Ford. Both are on top of their game and give strong and entertaining performances. Full of energy Ben is the perfect strapping lad to lead the audience on a journey up the beanstalk and into Cloudland. Sophie Brooke-Ford's "To Make You Feel My Love" wouldn't have been out of place on a West End stage.

Coronation Street's Ken Morley is King Crumble and is reunited with on-screen partner from the Street Sherrie Hewson. In Benidorm character as Lady Joyce Temple Savage she is the perfect baddy and receives boos aplenty whenever she's seen. The opportunity to mention Corrie's famous waterbed scene just couldn't be left out!

Sherrie Hewson's glittering costumes were most exquisite and it is clear that every expense has been plunged into the show. Also dressed in glitz and glamour was the spirit of the beans - Fairy Fortune, Niki Evans. Niki who rose to fame on X Factor has been touring recently as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers and it is great to see her in a much more lighthearted role and with some upbeat songs to riff away - incredible vocals.

The babes were made up of children from the Classic Academy of Dance. The ensemble dancers are Frankie Armitage, Lucian Collier, Oliver Dale, Sian Harriman, Matthew Hartley, Angela Sheppard, Bryony Thompson and Robert Tregoning. The entire team execute perfection with the choreography and are exciting to watch. Alternately they bring Day-Zee the cow to life with a humorous hip-hop twist.

Nigel Ellacott is Jack's mother Dame Trot, and is clearly the experienced Dame. A lifetime in the business (s)he masters the quick change, the towering headdresses and those lame jokes that for some reason are always funny. Dame Trot's Bilston Market song to the tune of Copacabana brought the house down. 

Stealing the show however is a little green duck called Orville. Yes, Keith Harris, Orville and Cuddles from all those years ago prove that the old-time entertainment is indeed just as relevant and entertaining today. The children's favourite was clearly Orville who can sing other songs aside from "I Wish I Could Fly" surprisingly well. That isn't to say that Orville's famous song isn't included - it most definitely is and brought the house down, pleasing all but one particular monkey. Cuddles was far from impressed and an appearance in Act 2 ensured that the pantomime had something for all the family - definitely one for the parents! 

The set was far from normal and very impressive. There are lavish palaces, a quaint village and an entire house! Andrew Lynford's direction and Steven Harris' choreography come together well to keep the show flowing. The beanstalk and the giant are very impressive and it's nice to see both presented in a much more physical and creative way than the use of 3D - which seems to be the way a lot of pantomimes are moving towards. 

Packed with well-known song's of charts, stage and screen this is definitely a show you can sing along to. Wolverhampton never fails at Christmas to put on a fun family show and Jack And The Beanstalk is something that should definitely be part of your festive plans! If you haven't already done so, book those tickets now! Book online at http://grandtheatre.iristickets.co.uk/en/group/4758/jack-the-beanstalk-2012-13/

Visit the pantomime website at http://www.grandtheatrepanto.co.uk and once you've seen it make sure to 'leaf' a review here! http://grandtheatrepanto.co.uk/virtual-beanstalk-2 

You can also book for next year's pantomime SLEEPING BEAUTY starring Joe Pasquale here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=683&sC=page46

Production photos © Gavin Dickson Photography. 

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Pantomime Roadshow

The magic of pantomime came early to the children of Field View Primary School in Bilston this morning. This year's pantomime Dame, Nigel Ellacott has been busy spreading the festive cheer to schools all over the country in a tour that teaches children about the traditions of pantomime. The tour has already visited London, Bradford, Glasgow and Aberdeen and is now visiting ten local schools in Wolverhampton and the surrounding area.

After helping with the get-in (yes, I have backstage skills too) it was time for the pupils of years 1 to 6 to find their seats in the audience - the show was about to begin... but wait...! Mr Daniel, the director had a very big problem, the star act had taken ill and he had to find a... a.... oh what's the word when an actor has to take the place of another actor? "Stunt double" said one of the children, no... "Intern"... "Double act" ... we finally got to 'Understudy' and on came the suitable replacement. From then on in the children got to learn about life backstage including how to put on stage makeup and the secrets of the quick change. They were understandably impressed with a five second transformation from a Chinese Emperor to Dame Trott. 

Joining Nigel for the Roadshow is pantomime legend Andrew Ryan and Musical Theatre performer Nathan Daniel. Both experienced pantomime dames Nigel and Andrew have plenty of expertise. Nathan trained at Laine Theatre Arts and has since starred in various pantomimes and toured the UK in the 50th anniversary tour of West Side Story. 

Between them all they performed comedy routines, introduced familiar pantomime characters and lead everybody in an all-singing finale of My Hat Has Got Three Corners. The children learnt that the pantomime dame is always a man and that sometimes the principal boy is played by a woman - how many times have we seen Bonnie Langford as Peter Pan? There was a short interval (that's a break in the performance) and then the children were given the chance to ask some of their own questions. 

Questions varied from "what's it like to be an actor?" to "how long does it take to learn a really big script?". Nigel likes about two weeks to look over his - "It's only 32 days until opening night, and even less until rehearsals I've still not had the script, I'm on edge!"

One girl told us that her favourite part was the whoopee-cousins. "They love the toilet humour, they'll laugh at almost anything, but they always love that bit" Nigel added. 

Nigel is starring as Dame Trott in this year's pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Andrew Ryan will be directing Snow White in Mansfield before starring as Mrs Crusoe in Robinson Crusoe at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Nathan Daniel will be taking to the stage in Aladdin at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle. 

You can find out more information about the roadshow along with heaps and heaps about Pantomime on Nigel's website (http://www.its-behind-you.com/roadshow.html) and other education events on the Grand theatre's new Pantomime website (http://grandtheatrepanto.co.uk/teachers-zone).

Nigel has been busy promoting the pantomime for the last few months - which included a trip to meet the Tapirs at Dudley Zoo, the pantomime's local partner. Nigel hosted the race night, a press event at the Wolverhampton Racecourse in September and his account of both the zoo and the race night can be read on his website, in the articles section: http://www.its-behind-you.com

The Grand Theatre have recently set up their own blog which will include all of the backstage shenanigans from the pantomime and for the productions visiting the theatre in 2013. You can read about the latest panto star Ben James-Ellis and his visit to the theatre here: http://grandbackstageblog.co.uk

If you want to book tickets to this years giant pantomime spectacular you can call the Grand Theatre box office on 01902 429212 or book via the website here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=604&sC=page46

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Interview with Ben James-Ellis

The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre today announced after much anticipation that the lead role of Jack in this years pantomime will be West End star Ben James-Ellis. Ben completes the all-star cast and joins Loose Women's Sherrie Hewson, Keith Harris with Orville and Cuddles, Coronation Street's Ken Morley, X Factor's Niki Evans and Pantomime legend Nigel Ellacott.

Ben as Link Larkin in the London cast of Hairspray

Ben rose to fame as a contestant on the BBC's Any Dream Will Do in a bid to win the role of Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Finishing in the semi-final stage Ben soon became part of the original London cast of Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre playing the role of teenage heart-throb Link Larkin. Since then, Ben has been in the West End cast and subsequent tour casts of Dreamboats and Petticoats and visited the Grand theatre with the show last year. "There's a really great pork sandwich shop by the theatre, I can't wait to go back there again!"

Ben is no stranger to the world of pantomime having played Prince Charming in Snow White and Peter in Peter Pan, but this is the first time he will be playing Jack. Ben has worked with Keith Harris and Orville in pantomime before and is looking forward to catching up with his little green friend. "Don't touch Orville though, he's expensive. You should see what he sleeps in, it's like a giant protective coffin!".

When asked about the two-show a day schedule of the pantomimes epic run Ben said a blow-up bed for the dressing room and a supply of Red Bull might be necessary. "The dressing rooms are great though, I like that fact that backstage it's really modern and yet the in auditorium keeps the authentic theatre style."

Ben posing for the local press outside the theatre.

In comparison to West End productions Ben likes the freedom that comes with pantomime. "West End shows such as Hairspray are really specific and should be done exactly the same way, night after night, whereas pantomime is a lot more relaxed and it's a nice bit of relief from the shows you do throughout the year. I love panto because you just have such a great time, it's so festive and you become part of a really close family."

If there's one person in theatre that any aspiring young performer would want to work for, it would surely be 'The Lord' himself - Andrew Lloyd Webber. Ben was only 18 when he was plunged into the live shows of Any Dream Will Do, a daunting thing for anyone. "Any Dream Will Do was great, and TV gets you seen, but it's not like it's all plain sailing from there. You have to work really hard to maintain the standard people expect of you." Ben's first job in Hairspray saw him take the stage beside musical theatre legend Michael Ball. "Michael was impressed with the talent on Any Dream Will Do but said to me very early on that this is where it all starts now, I had to prove myself." He sure did prove himself and we're very happy to have Ben in Wolverhampton this Christmas. It is the most excited he has been for pantomime.

Me and Ben with his mighty beanstalk-chopping axe.

This year's pantomime also has it's own website. You can visit www.grandtheatrepanto.co.uk for information and pictures of the cast. There is a virtual beanstalk with a countdown to opening night, a 'Teachers Zone' packed with educational resources and competitions. For education enquiries you can contact Education Officer -  Louise Bent (Email: louise@grandtheatre.co.uk).
The website is currently home to the 'Backstage Blog' which will launch very soon and continue to run long after the pantomime and feature next season's fantastic shows. You can also book tickets to the pantomime through the website.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Panto Party Night

Since it's launch earlier this year in June the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's 2012/13 pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk has announced three new stars bringing the total to seven (including Orville and Cuddles). Midlands X Factor singing sensation Niki Evans joins as the Fairy Godmother Spirit Of The Beans. Coronation Street star Ken Morley reunites with Sherrie Hewson and Nigel Ellacott is dame.

Held at Wolverhampton Race Course it seemed only fitting for the evening to begin with a Pantomime Horse race with jockeys representing various sponsors and amateur societies. Daisy The Cow was on hand to oversee the race whilst Dame Trott provided humorous commentary. Pascale Rollings representing MusCom (Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Society) came in second with Alastair Norton of South Staffs Operatic Society in first place.

After dinner, Executive Producer Jonathan Kiley of Qdos unveiled more about this years giant pantomime spectacular. "We're very excited to be reuniting screen partners Sherrie Hewson and Ken Morley who will be doing a song together. They did say yes and I hope it will still be a yes when we start rehearsals! Orville's song is bound to provoke a few tears!" Orville took a visit to Dudley Zoo, the local partner of the pantomime. He was one of the first to try out the newly refurbished chairlift that has been out of use for many years.

Orville wasn't the only animal to visit the zoo that day. Cuddles the monkey visited the Orangutans who got very angry and nearly broke the glass trying to get at him. After working with Keith Harris and Orville two years ago in pantomime at the Birmingham Hippodrome Jonathan Kiley knows that they will be well received in Wolverhampton. And then of course there is "local legend" Niki Evans who after just finishing a run as Paulette in Legally Blonde is currently touring the country as Mrs Johnston again in Blood Brothers. "She has an amazing voice and will be a great Fairy Godmother. She is going to be doing some amazing numbers, some songs from Sister Act this year. We haven't used her as much as we should have in previous years and so this year we're making sure that she really will shine." Niki Evans is at home in Wolverhampton and returns for her third pantomime at the theatre. 

Hosting the event was this year's "Dame of Dames" Nigel Ellacott as Dame Trott who had spent most of the day at the zoo with Talulah the Tapir. Nigel was one part of the famous pantomime double act with Peter Robbins who is sadly no longer with us. "They were the most famous Ugly Sister double act we had in the UK and we are honoured to have Nigel with us as our solo dame after 28 years of playing as an ugly sister." said Jonathan Kiley. Nigel promises his legendary strip tease which involves multiple layers of clothing, which is worth the ticket price alone. 

The evening ended with most difficult pantomime quiz created by theatre marketing manager Iain Watkins. Comprising of questions from Nigel Ellacott's pantomime website http://www.its-behind-you.com. 

With only 11 weeks to go until opening night this year's pantomime promises to be a real treat for all the family. It runs from Saturday 8th December with two shows a day up until Sunday 20th January. 

You can buy tickets for the pantomime here: http://www.grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=604&sC=page46

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Pantomime Launch

This Christmas the magic of pantomime returns to Wolverhampton in a simple exchange for some magic beans. We planted them at the Novotel across the road from the theatre and up grew a giant beanstalk. Seen posing in front of one of the plants many dangerous vines, Sherrie Hewson (Coronation Street/Loose Women/Benidorm) and Keith Harris with his cuddly sidekick Orville are set to lead the cast in what promises to be a 'grand' show.

It was a pleasure to be in the presence of two fabulous entertainers. Both gave entertaining after dinner speeches. Sherrie Hewson admitted to have only visited Wolverhampton once before, many years ago on a date. His name is John if anyone knows him she added. She cannot wait to begin the shows as Lady Temple-Savage, a baddy. She loves playing the baddy as she can be "really horrible to the children and they all hate you, but it'll be alright because she's got a heart really". Sherrie, as anyone who has visited the theatre would agree says that "the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is beautiful. I think it's stunning." 

Keith Harris had a little less to say on the event himself due to interruptions from Orville who had previously been hiding during the meal for fear that duck would be on the menu. This year marks Keith's 49th year in pantomime, both he and Orville are looking forward to receiving the gold watch next year at their 50th. 

(Meeting Keith Harris and Orville) 

Here are some video highlights of Orville's after dinner speech.

Booking is now open for the pantomime which runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 8th December 2012 until 20th January 2013.

For bookings and more information visit the website: http://www.grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=604&sC=page10