This year’s panto is Jack & the Beanstalk: The Bite-Size Panto, a condensed version of the famous fable. It has a shortened run time of only 75 minutes, no interval, and a cast of just five actors. The theatre has been staging award-winning Christmas productions for many years and once again they have teamed up with the acclaimed Evolution Pantomimes for this year’s spectacular show.

Lichfield legend Sam Rabone will be back in a dress and playing Dame Trott, as well as directing the production. You may recognise Max Fulham, who will be playing Jack, from CBBC’s Crackerjack, and he is bringing along his hilarious friend, Gordon, the talking monkey. It’s the first time to the Lichfield Garrick for Max, as well as for the other three members of the cast – Victoria McCabe as our heroine Jackie, Lorraine Brown as the dazzling Fairy Sugarsnap, and Tim Hudson as the incredibly evil Flesh Creep – boo!

The cast, several of whom have not been able to work since March, are also looking forward to returning to the stage after such a long break. Sam Rabone says, “I'm so excited to be back at the Garrick for what is going to be a HUGE treat but with a bite-sized feel! With very few pantomimes in the Midlands, it is amazing to be part of one of the few festive shows that are happening! The Garrick along with Evolution smash it every year, and this year is going to be no different. With audiences chomping at the bit to get in, we cannot wait to entertain them, bring laughter and make it feel like Christmas... all in a COVID-secure way!”

Members of the public who were able to attend socially distanced performances at the theatre were extremely pleased with the new COVID-secure measures and left positive reviews on social media. One wrote, “I went to the Buddy Holly show last night and had an amazing time. Staff and entertainers worked so hard to make us feel safe. Good luck [to the] Garrick.” 

Karen Foster, the theatre’s Chief Executive, says, “We are full of beans here at the Garrick as we have managed to bring a wonderful, fun show , on a smaller, safer cast size, to fill the festive season with laughter and cheer, a full spectrum of COVID-safe measures to reassure our patrons, and even some brand new jokes!  After a most unusual year, we look forward to spending two weeks bringing the very best antidote to your seasonal blues, right here in Lichfield, right here in your local theatre and right here in your very own bubbles.  We look forward to celebrating with you.” 

This year’s pantomime is sponsored by A-Plan Insurance, who are running a colouring competition so one of you lucky lot can win a family ticket! If you would like to take part, then visit the Jack & the Beanstalk booking page on our website for more information. 

Tickets for the panto are selling fast – oh yes, they are! – and can be purchased from www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the box office on 01543 412121 (please note that opening hours are currently reduced. Please see the website for more information).

Photo credit: Mease Valley Photography