Casting has been announced for the Belgrade Theatre’s legendary annual pantomime, which is back with a GIANT of a show, as Jack and the Beanstalk takes to the Main Stage from 23 November 2022 – 7 January 2023.

Coventry’s favourite panto duo, Iain Lauchlan and Craig Hollingsworth are back together this year for more magical mayhem, with Lauchlan playing Dame Trott and Hollingsworth as Dame Trott’s son, Simple Simon. Lauchlan also returns to write and direct Jack and the Beanstalk, which will be his 23rd Belgrade panto as the Dame.

Returning to the Belgrade panto for the first time since 2011’s Mother Goose is Andy Hockley (Wicked) as the Giant’s evil henchman, Fleshcreep.

Morna MacPherson reprises her role as Jack, having played the titular character in the Belgrade’s 2020 Jack and the Beanstalk Online, which reached audiences all over the world when live pantos weren’t able to happen.

Also returning to the Belgrade panto is David Gilbrook as the King, following performances in 2019’s Puss in Boots and 2021’s Beauty and the Beast. Playing the King’s daughter, Princess Poppy, is Rochelle Hollis. Emma Mulkern also joins the cast as Fairy Fennel.

Completing the cast are TikTok sensation Lewis James (@lewbearbrown) and Hudson Tong as ensemble members.

Jack and the Beanstalk is co-directed and choreographed by Jenny Phillips, with set and costumes designed by Mark Walters, sound by Chris Murray, lighting by Matt Clutterham, assistant direction and choreography by Vicki Stevenson, and musical direction by David Haller.

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