Watford Palace Theatre Unveils Full Cast for Jack and the Beanstalk

Renowned for delivering spectacular and unforgettable pantomimes, Watford Palace Theatre is  delighted to reveal the full cast for Jack and the Beanstalk. Featuring vibrant costumes, toe tapping tunes, and witty humour for all ages, this year’s production offers a spectacular show to  kickstart the festive season. With iconic songs across the decades, playful plant-based puns, and  larger than life characters, the Giant will be voiced by national treasure Stephen Fry, promising Fee Fi Fo Fun for the whole family.

Audiences are invited into a world of wonder, where Jack must outwit the greedy Giant,  navigate a rather clumsy Fairy, and deal with the hilariously fearsome Dame Judy Henchman. Leading the cast is stage favourite Imad Eldeen (Mother GooseTheatre Clwyd; As You Like It Leeds Playhouse) as the courageous Jack, alongside Jessica Dennis (The Merchant of Venice 1936RSC West End National Tour; Romeo + JulietOrange Tree Theatre) as the villainous Judy  Henchman, and Lauren Azania (HadestownLyric Theatre; WickedUniversal Pictures) as the  ever-magical Fairy Nuff.

Returning to Watford for his thirteenth pantomime season is the legendary Terence Frisch (The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes, Disney; Joy BubblesThe Other Palace), taking on the role  of Dame Trott. A true Watford favourite, Frisch has delighted Palace audiences in productions of  Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mother 

Goose Robin Hoodand Sleeping Beauty. Joining the cast is Philippa Carson (The Reckoning, ITV;  NewsRevue, Edinburgh Fringe) as Simone, Tia Antoine Charles (13 Going on 30, Opera House  Manchester; Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre) as Jill, and Tom Giles (Silence!, Underbelly; Emmerdale)  as Goosey. Ben Anderson (Hairspray, UK Tour; Aladdin, Hackney Empire Theatre) and Hannah  Lancaster (Where is Peter Rabbit, Old Laundry Theatre; Cats, Royal Caribbean International) will  perform as part of the ensemble.

This year’s pantomime is written by CEO and Director of Programming Steve Marmion. As an an  acclaimed Artistic Director he is committed in making theatre for people who don’t traditionally  go and seeking out new audiences and artists with stories and insights that are unheard of. As a  pantomime pioneer, being the CEO of PantoCo Ltd., he has worked in the creative industries for  over 20 years and was previously the Artistic Director for Soho Theatre from 2010-18.

Jack and the Beanstalkwill be directed by James Williams, Associate Director of Watford Palace  Theatre. With extensive experience in creating theatre with, for, and by people of all ages, he  will bring a strong focus on community engagement and youth-led creativity. His work spans  new writing, musicals, short film, devising, and pantomime, having directed over 30 productions  with young people, including SpongeBob the Musical, James & the Giant Peach, and Abi’s House Party.  

The production will feature Watford Palace Theatre’s very own talented Young Ensemble of 16  performers aged 11 to 17, drawn from across Watford and surrounding areas. Many of these  rising stars are part of the Watford Palace Young Company, taking part in weekly workshops  that nurture creativity, confidence, and performance skills. Split into two teams, they will  alternate performances, playing everything from enchanted beans and mischievous animals to  kidnapped villagers.

Artistic Director for the Watford Place Young Company James Williams comments, This year’s  Jack and the Beanstalk is our most magical yet — a celebration of wonder, laughter, and  community spirit. With Terence Frisch returning as Dame and the voice of Stephen Fry as Giant,  we’ve pushed the spectacle to new heights while staying true to everything that makes  pantomime special: audience participation, heart, and joy. I hope every family who comes  through our doors leaves believing a little more in magic.

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