A FANTASTIC panto is in store at the Palace Theatre this Christmas with some big stars heading to Redditch.
Topping the bill in Jack and the Beanstalk is Vernie Bennett, singer with pop sensation Eternal, who plays the Spirit of the Beans, and Lloyd Daniels, once of the X-Factor and now an established star in the West End.
It’s the first time either of them have been in Redditch and both said they can’t wait for the show’s four week run.
“I’d never been to Redditch before but I’ve got family in Birmingham and Walsall and they’ll all be coming down to the Palace to see the show,” said Vernie, who was recently in Mr & Mrs.
Lloyd added: “It’s a really nice town, and lively too, so I’m really looking forward to appearing at the Palace.”
He’s just finished starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and will soon be appearing in a month-long run of You Won’t Succeed in Broadway at the St James’s Theatre, London. He too can’t wait to be in the panto.
“It’s going to be a fun-filled, magical show for all the family,” he said.
For Vernie it will be her first panto appearance but she’s already confident that, having appeared in a band that sold more than 10 million records worldwide and having played in front of thousands of adoring fans, that the Palace will hold no terrors for her.
“I’ve been performing most of my life and once I get on stage I know that this is where I’m meant to be,” she said.
“And it’s going to be a great show- it’s a story that everybody knows but with modern songs and a modern twist.
“Every year I take my children to see a panto and this year they’ll be coming to see me! I can’t wait,” she added.
Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are already selling fast with more than 6,000 already snapped up of the 18,000 on sale – and there’s still 20 weeks to go until curtain up.
The show promises lights, action, special effects, audience participation and more.
“It’s going to be wonderful, particularly in this beautiful theatre – everyone in the Christmas spirit and we’ll all be having fun,” said Lloyd.
Also starring are panto veterans Ian Mowat as Dame Trott and Tony Rudd as Simple Simon. Ian has extensive stage experience, particularly in light entertainment shows, while Tony is a star of both stage and screen.
Joining them is writer and actor Andrew Haynes as King Crumble, Birmingham School of acting-trained Simon Kingsley as Fleshcreep, and newcomer and Stagecoach teacher Hannah Bond as Princess Amelia.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Monday, December 7, 2015 to Sunday, January 3, 2016 and tickets, priced at £19/£20 for adults, are available on 01527 65203 or at www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk .
