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

INTERVIEW with Keith Chegwin - October 2013

Christmas is undoubtably a busy time for anyone but for TV funny-man Keith Chegwin it's even more so. Last year he appeared on the eighth series of Dancing On Ice after intense training during a four week pantomime season. This year Keith is back in pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon but not before returning to the ice at the London Palladium! Keith took the time out from rehearsals to talk about his busy schedule. 

Where did your love of ice skating come from Keith? Was it something you've always enjoyed or was Dancing On Ice your first experience of it?

Dancing On Ice was the first sort of real serious experience of skating but when I was about twelve I went to a stage school with Phil Collins and his sister Carol Collins was a champion ice skater! We stayed with her for a little while and she took me to the ice rink and I got to learn a few things but then I just stopped it. Two years ago Dancing On Ice phoned up and it was between that or Strictly Come Dancing and obviously I chose Dancing On Ice and it's been my love ever since!

I've caught you in the middle of rehearsals here because you're about to take to the ice again with the Imperial Ice Stars at the London Palladium?

Yeah, The Nutcracker On Ice! It's such an honour, it's a bit like the Royal Ballet phoning up and saying "Oh we're doing Swan Lake, have you got any tights? Can you help us out!?" ... These guys on ice, it's a different kettle of fish isn't it, Dancing On Ice is fantastic and I can't tell you how much I'd recommend anybody go off and do it but they're restrained to health and safety - this it's just away you go! These are 26 Olympic athletes that between them own over 250 medals for Olympic and Commonwealth games and I think to myself "Oh my God... I've only won the Radio Lollipop award!"

And this is the London Palladium we're talking about here... how are the nerves?

Well it's weird, I've never really suffered from nerves, I suffer from excitement! I get really buzzy about things, yesterday in rehearsals I was that excited I was just catching my blades all over the place! My ambition for this is when you see us come on stage you won't know it's me! You'll think "oh no that's one of the profes.... oh no, it IS Keith!" - I want my skating to be up to scratch really. But the London Palladium for us old people is like the O2 now, it's the climax of your career. 

Keith and partner Olga Sharutenko the last series of Dancing On Ice 

People don't really appreciate what all this is about though. When I say to people I'm in The Nutcracker they're like "oh, okay..." but no, this takes you into a fantasy world - we're flying in it and there's magic and for the first time ever I shall be on stage and not shouting "Wey Hey!" or "it's behind you!" 

So what can we expect from the pantomime afterwards then? Back to Keith we know and love?

Oh I don't know, I might leave my skates on, it has been done before! Last year one of the characters in our panto had his roller skates on and went round the stage! He was really good ... he has been in Starlight Express though! I shall be sad to take my skates off really but I do love panto as well, especially at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon - Jack And The Beanstalk this year, come and see us! It's my third year back there and it's like coming home to family! Everyone backstage and front of house are all really nice people and the audiences are great. I remember the best compliment I was ever given was from the theatre manager Derek Aldridge and he said "Keith, can you just calm it down because the kids keep jumping up and wrecking the seats!" Haha, I was likes yessss!! I've done my job! 

Keith in last years pantomime Aladdin at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

You can see Keith reunited with his Dancing On Ice partner Olga Sharutenko in The Nutcracker On Ice at the London Palladium from 24 October - 3 November by booking tickets here. Tickets are between £21 and £76. Following that you can catch the show at the Wales Milennium Centre, Cardiff from 8 - 17 November and at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from 19 - 23 November. 

You can then see Keith in pantomime, Jack And The Beanstalk at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon from 7 December 2013 - 5 January 2014. For more information on the pantomime click here. To book tickets click here.

Listen to an extended version of the interview with Keith and dance partner Olga Sharutenko below:

Related Articles
Jack And The Beanstalk (Press Launch)
Aladdin (Wyvern Theatre) 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

ALADDIN (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Review December 2012

You may be forgiven for believing you're in Swindon but in fact you're taken far away to the Oriental town of Swinyon for this year's production of Aladdin. Fronted by TV funny-man Keith Chegwin this intimate theatre is filled with magic and a welcoming charm.

The star-crossed lovers are West End star of Hairspray and We Will Rock You Lauren Varnham as Princess Jasmine and Liam Ross-Mills as Aladdin. Having seen Lauren countless times in both of her recent West End appearances I knew she would be more than up to the job. She proves to be the perfect princess in appearance, character and her vocals are second to none. Equally as charming is Aladdin, Liam Ross-Mills makes a wonderful lead and his version of A Whole New World whilst floating around the stage on a magic carpet is one of the many highlights.

Keith Chegwin has bundles of energy and is excellent at enthusing the audience. He has great accuracy it seems as not only did he spray a water gun jet directly into my face, but threw my favourite Quality Street chocolate straight into my lap. It was the strawberry one...

David Ashley is the evil Abanazer and proved quite scary when he entered the auditorium next to a nursery school group. The musical theatre veteran showcased his skill honed during his time in Starlight Express and one scene involved him roller skating around the stage. A classic and perfected baddie! Nick Barclay is a pleasant contrast as the the bumbling Emperor.

Widow Twankey isn't the most glamorous of dames, she has a bra that was meant to hold three and  works in a laundry shop, bless her, but Ian Mowat particularly in the Born This Way routine proved that there is a diva within her who's outfits are some very colourful creations. 

The glitz and glamour comes in the shape of Suzie Chard who presents an Essex-girl Genie, who sparkles and shines her way through. Her charisma fills the stage and even during moments of uncertainty after an incident with a pyro she carried the scene through to the end smoothly. The cave scene is another show highlight that begins with a rendition of I Am What I Am with backing from the Laine Theatre Arts ensemble - Jabari Braham, Michael Lin, Thomas Russell, Seren Sandham-Davis and Zac Watts.

The musical arrangements by Ben Kennedy are a delight, there is a mix of chart and musical theatre. Direction and Choreography by Andrew Wright is to the highest standard as expected with recent work including Singing In The Rain (Palace Theatre) the UK tour of Wonderful Town and a revival of 42nd Street (Chicester Festive Theatre and the Curve, Leicester). Additional choreography for the show is provided by Aaron Renfree, also a Laine's graduate. Aaron's choreography is always fresh, exciting and current and it is great to see that in such tradition-bound pantomime theatre.

Aladdin runs at the Swindon Wyvern Theatre until Sunday 6th January 2013 and you can book tickets here: https://wyverntheatre.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=35166970-7B07-47FF-9EE1-5CFF13B5C8E9 or by calling the box office on 01793 524 481.