Lichfield Garrick has once again teamed up with the dynamic duo of Paul Hendy and Evolution Productions, which is like Batman and Robin but with more sequins and less crime-fighting! They’re back to deliver their biggest and funniest pantomime yet, guaranteed to tickle your funny bone until it begs for mercy. This year’s theatrical extravaganza is none other than the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, where beanstalks grow taller than your Auntie Mabel’s stories at family gatherings! Prepare for a whirlwind of laughs, comedy, and perhaps a giant or two that will leave you wondering whether you should be laughing or hiding under your seat. It’s panto season, so grab your refreshments and get ready for a fantastical romp that promises to be as delightful as finding some chocolate at the bottom of the bag!
Lichfield legend and resident Dame Sam Rabone, is back for his ninth year in the Garrick’s pantomime, stepping into the role of Dame Trott. Also returning this year, is fellow Garrick pantomime favourite Ben Thornton, starring as Billy.
Ben says: ‘I’m delighted to be back in Lichfield for my fifth pantomime season at The Garrick! It really is a beautiful city to stay in for Christmas and this year we even have a wonderful new front of house area at the theatre which is looking amazing! Jack and the Beanstalk is going to be our most spectacular pantomime yet! It’s a great traditional story but we’re adding in our usual sprinkling of jokes, surprises and of course Sam and I will be bringing bucket-loads of slosh!! See you there!’.
Joining the cast for the first time ever is hilarious comedienne and actress Gill Jordan (Doreen Tipton) in the role of Fairy Sugarsnap. Completing the cast are Joe Feeney (Edmonds) as Luke Backinanger, Becky Sanneh (House of Cleopatra) as Jack Trott and Clarice Julianda (Newsies) as Dave the Cow.
Jack and the Beanstalk promises dazzling sets, side-splitting comedy, interactive fun and breathtaking special effects in this spectacular festive treat for all the family. This fun-filled extravaganza is perfect for all ages, and we know you’ll be laughing all the way home.
Due to an overwhelming avalanche of requests that would make even Santa’s list look like a mere shopping list, this year’s pantomime will be running longer than ever before! Yes, folks, buckle up and prepare for a theatrical extravaganza that might just feel like it’s auditioning for its own reality show. To ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy the hilarity and hijinks, the theatre is once again rolling out relaxed performances designed specifically for those who would thrive in a more laid-back and supportive atmosphere. Imagine a space where you can laugh uncontrollably without worrying about shushing your neighbour—it’s like attending a comedy club but with more sequins and less heckling! But wait, there’s more! BSL-interpreted performances will also be available, ensuring that our friends who use British Sign Language can join in on all the cheeky banter and delightful antics. And let’s not forget about our future theatre buffs: schools are invited to book group tickets so students can experience the magic of live performance together—what better way to enhance their education than with a dash of slapstick comedy? Plus, in an absolutely right move for parents everywhere, the theatre is offering ‘Babes in Arms’ tickets for every performance. This means families can bring along their little ones under 18 months old without fear of missing out on all the fun! Who wouldn’t want to introduce their infant to the world of drama before they’ve even mastered crawling? So grab your tickets now; this season promises laughter galore—just be prepared for some unexpected cooing from the audience!
Don’t miss the Fee-Fi-Fo-Fun, book your tickets today!
The show opens on Friday 22nd November 2024 and runs through until Sunday 12th January 2025. Tickets are available now – you can purchase yours now on the Lichfield Garrick website (lgtl.ink/Panto24) or by calling the Box Office on 01543 412121.
You can also Help the Garrick give young people a magical Christmas experience with their Big Ticket Appeal. You could help children and young people who have experienced trauma, bereavement, illness or who face financial barriers to attend the Garrick’s pantomime. Since 2017, local supporters and businesses have sponsored over 1000 tickets given to families and groups of young people via local charities, and with your help this year we can offer tickets to more people than ever. Some of the groups who benefit from these tickets include Lichfield Foodbank, Pathway Project, Spark Burntwood, and National Deaf Children’s Society amongst many other local charities. For many of these young people, this is their first ever visit to a theatre. The Big Ticket Appeal is part of the theatre’s continued commitment to provide access to the arts across Lichfield, Burntwood and the wider community. Individuals can donate on the theatre’s website (lgtl.ink/BigTicketAppeal). Alternatively, businesses who would like to become a sponsor are invited to contact Director of Development Matt Clay, by emailing matthew.clay@lichfieldgarrick.com.