Iain Lauchlan will write and direct his 23rd panto for Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre in 2022, Jack and the Beanstalk.
He will play Dame Trott and will team up with his regular comedy partner Craig Hollingsworth who will take the role of Simple Simon.
Returning to the Belgrade panto for the first time since 2011’s Mother Goose is Andy Hockley as the giant’s evil henchman, Fleshcreep. Hockley has appeared in 16 Belgrade pantos and has a wealth of West End credits including being the longest-serving wizard in Stephen Schwartz’s Wicked.
Morna MacPherson will reprise her role as Jack after playing the titular character in the Belgrade’s 2020 Jack and the Beanstalk, which was streamed online. Also returning to the Belgrade panto is David Gilbrook as the King, who was in Beauty and the Beast in 2021 and Puss in Boots in 2019.
Rochelle Hollis will play the King’s daughter, Princess Poppy, while Emma Mulkern joins the cast as Fairy Fennel. Completing the cast are Lewis James and Hudson Tong as ensemble members.
Jack and the Beanstalk will be co-directed and choreographed by Jenny Phillips. It will feature sets and costumes designed by Mark Walters. Sound design will be by Chris Murray and lighting design by Matt Clutterham. Vicki Stevenson will be assistant director and assistant choreographer. David Haller returns as musical director, with music performed by Spencer Hedges and Chris Jones.
Jack and the Beanstalk will take to the Belgrade’s main stage from Wednesday 23 November until Saturday 7 January 2023.