Coventry panto legend Iain Lauchlan, who returned the the Belgrade Theatre’s stage last year, is to don his frocks again to play Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk.
The tale will be told “in true Belgrade style with colourful characters, spectacular scenery, stupendous costumes, hilarious slapstick and bags of audience participation”.
Iain Lauchlan said, “I had such a brilliant time being back at the Belgrade last Christmas and entertaining such appreciative audiences.
“I’m excited to be returning for Jack and the Beanstalk, which is one of my favourites. As well as playing Dame Trott I’ll also be directing the show again, but I must say that being on stage will be the icing on the cake—or is it lemon meringue pie?
“Either way I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again.”
Iain Lauchlan played the dame in 12 Belgrade pantos between 1988 and 1999. He made a one-off return in 2007 to play the dame in Aladdin to celebrate the reopening of the theatre after its £14m redevelopment.
He has also created numerous children’s television shows, including The Tweenies, and was a presenter on Playdays.
Also returning to the Belgrade is Craig Hollingsworth who played Muddles in last year’s panto.
The cast includes Coventry-born actors Alyssa Martyn as Jack and Aaron Gibson who leads the ensemble.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs on the Belgrade’s main stage from Wednesday 27 November until Sunday 5 January.