Dates for your Diary - Jack and the Beanstalk at The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool this Easter

Audiences are invited along to Liverpool's Epstein Theatre this Easter for a giant adventure packed with fun, laughter and magic, as Regal Entertainments presents its first Epstein Theatre panto of 2022 with family favourite Jack and the Beanstalk.

The cast have recently been announced as Lewis Devine as Simple Simon; Timothy Lucas as Jack; Mark Two as Dame Dolly Trott; Abigail Middleton as Mrs Fleshcreep; Maddie Hope Coelho as Princess Jill; and Jenna Sian O'Hara as Fairy Mary.

Jack and the Beanstalk tells the rags to riches story of a boy who sells the family's cow for a handful of beans, getting him into a lot of trouble with his poor mother. The tale takes a magical twist when the beans sprout into a magnificent beanstalk that reaches up to a mystical land high in the sky.

Audiences will join Jack on his gigantic journey up the beanstalk as he discovers geese with golden eggs, a magic harp, and a close encounter with a very hungry giant. But he'll need to tread carefully as the villainous Mrs Fleshcreep is hot on his heels, determined to stop him in his exciting tracks.

Jack and the Beanstalk is produced by Regal Entertainments Ltd; directed by Olivia Sloyan; written by Reece Sibbald; choreographed by Nazene Langfield; with musical direction by Callum Clarke. 

The pantomime will run at The Epstein Theatre from Wednesday 13th April to Sunday 24th April 2022. Tickets are priced from £14 and are on sale now.

You can find out more by visiting The Epstein Theatre website at www.epsteintheatre.co.uk

You can also follow The Epstein Theatre on the following social media pages:

Facebook - facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre

Twitter - @EpsteinTheatre

Listing Details

Show - Jack and the Beanstalk presented by Regal Entertainments Ltd

Venue - The Epstein Theatre, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ

Dates - Wednesday 13th April 2022 to Sunday 24th April 2022

Times - Show times vary, therefore please visit the venue website for the most up to date information.

Tickets - From £14

How to Book

Book online: www.epsteintheatre.co.uk

Telephone bookings: Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm call 0844 888 9991 (calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company's access charge).

Group and School Bookings: Available by calling 0844 888 9991 (calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company's access charge).

In person: The Epstein Theatre Box Office is open Monday to Saturday between 12pm and 6pm, or two hours prior to the performance time on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Please note there is a £1 per ticket transaction fee when booking in person at the box office.

*Disclaimer - This post is based on a press release kindly provided by BEA. Details provided are believed to be correct at the time of writing but can be subject to change. I would therefore always recommend visiting the venues own website in order to obtain the most up to date information.

Dates for your Diary - Peter Pan Flies Into St Helens This Easter

Hot on the heels of the half-term pantomime The Wizard of Oz, St Helens Theatre Royal has recently announced a fabulous cast for its Easter extravaganza.

Regal Entertainments is delighted to announce the full line-up for panto Peter Pan, which will entertain audiences during the Easter holidays. The show is part of the venue's exciting Spring Season 2022 programme.

Peter Pan will run at St Helens Theatre Royal from Saturday 2nd April to Monday 18th April 2022 and tickets are on sale now starting from £13.

Based on J.M. Barrie's timeless classic about the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan is the second Spring panto from Regal Entertainments, promising a family friendly swashbuckling show featuring fabulous flying scenes!

With a sprinkling of fairy dust, audiences are invited to join Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, Tinkerbell and friends as they leave St Helens behind, flying past the second star to the right and straight to Neverland, to enjoy daring adventures battling the evil Captain Hook and his hapless henchman. Along the way, theatregoers will also meet Pirates, Fairies, Lost Boys, Indians and of course one tick-tocking crocodile.

The title role of Peter Pan will be played by Harrison Vaughan from the television show The Greatest Dancer. He will be joined by a whole host of St Helens favourites returning to the stage for another spectacular panto.

Harrison trained at Liverpool's Jelli Studios, which was founded by Brookside's Jennifer Ellison. The accomplished dancer finished runner-up on BBC 1's The Greatest Dancer. His television credits include Taking the Next Step; The Next Step; Harrison Vaughan The Winner's Story; Peaky Blinders; Why I Dance? by Harrison Vaughan; and short film Saturday. Theatre credits include Matilda the musical at London's West End, and Peter Pan in Liverpool.

Harrison Vaughan said: "Peter Pan was my first panto as a child, I played Nibs the Lost Boy. It's crazy to think I'm now playing Peter all these years later. It's been so long since I've been on stage due to Covid, I'm so excited to be back performing in a theatre so close to my heart."

Harrison will be joined on stage by St Helens' favourites Lauren McCrory as Wendy; Mia Molloy as Tiger Lily; Reece Sibbald as Smee; David Phipps Davis as Mrs Smee; Scott Gallagher as Captain Hook; and newcomer to Regal Entertainments, Hayley Russell as Tink.

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan commented: "Peter Pan is always a fabulous family favourite - you have the good characters, the mischevious characters, and the magical characters. It's a real show of pure escapism as we set off on a thrilling adventure with the Darling family and their new friends, and the exciting flying scenes are not to be missed. We're gearing up for a St Helens extravaganza this Easter."

St Helens Theatre Royal Spring Season 2022 brochure can be found online by visiting https://sthelenstheatreroyal.com/digital-brochure/ 

You can also follow St Helens Theatre Royal on the following social media pages:

Facebook - facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal

Twitter - @TheatreRoyalStH

Instagram - @TheatreRoyalStHelens

Listing Details

Show - Regal Entertainments present Peter Pan

Venue - St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1LQ

Dates - Saturday 2nd April - Monday 18th April 2022

Times - Show times vary, therefore please visit the venue website for the most up to date information.

Tickets - From £13* (*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat booking fee. Online bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat online processing fee.)

The telephone ticket booking line can be contacted on 01744 756000 between 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, or alternatively visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.

*Disclaimer - This post is based on a press release kindly provided by BEA. Details provided are believed to be correct at the time of writing but can be subject to change. I would therefore always recommend visiting the venues own website in order to obtain the most up to date information.

Full Cast Announced for The Wizard of Oz Panto at St Helens This February Half Term

Spectacular family pantomimes produced by Regal Entertainments are back at St Helens Theatre Royal for 2022 - with the first of four fabulous shows taking to the stage during the February half-term holidays.

The Wizard of Oz is a tale of love and friendship, and it continues to be a firm favourite with theatregoers of all ages. The show is part of the venue's exciting Spring Season 2022 programme which was announced in January. 

Join Dorothy and her trusted dog Toto on their epic adventure along the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Along the way they meet all those incredible characters including Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion - who all have their own special wishes which they hope the Wizard will grant when they reach their destination of Oz. 

Mia Molloy will be wearing those iconic red shoes and takes the lead role of Dorothy, joined by Abigail Middleton as the Wicked Witch. 

Everyone's favourite trio - Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion  - are sure to capture the hearts of audiences as they join Dorothy on her journey in their quest to gain a brain, heart and courage.

Reece Sibbald who starred in Regal's Jack and the Beanstalk in October, is Scarecrow; Tin Man is Harry Moore, who appeared in Regal's Goldilocks And The Three Bears in December; and Scott Gallagher as Lion after also appearing alongside Harry in Goldilocks And The Three Bears.

Glinda will be played by Jenna Sian O'Hara, who also starred in Jack And The Beanstalk and Goldilocks And The Three Bears last year. Adam Melville will play The Wizard. 

The Wizard of Oz is the first of four Regal Entertainments' pantomimes being staged at St Helens Theatre Royal during 2022 - with all shows sure to capture the magic, excitement and memorable experience of a family coming together to watch live entertainment. The programme also includes Peter Pan at Easter, Sleeping Beauty during October half-term and Cinderella at Christmas 2022. 

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan commented: "It's always such a joy to announce a classic show. The Wizard of Oz really has stood the test of time on stage and silver screen, wowing youngsters and grown-ups alike. Seeing children sat in the auditorium alongside their parents and grandparents all enjoying the show is so special.

"This year Regal Entertainments will also be bringing Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella to the St Helens stage - all iconic and real classics. But for now, click your heels together as we join Dorothy and Toto on their colourful adventure." 

St Helens Theatre Royal Spring Season 2022 brochure can be found online by visiting https://sthelenstheatreroyal.com/digital-brochure/ 

You can also follow St Helens Theatre Royal on the following social media pages:

Facebook - facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal

Twitter - @TheatreRoyalStH

Instagram - @TheatreRoyalStHelens

Listing Details

Show - Regal Entertainments presents The Wizard of Oz

Venue - St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1LQ

Dates - Friday 11th February to Sunday 20th February 2022

Times - Show times vary, therefore please visit the venue website for the most up to date information.

Tickets - From £13* (*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat booking fee. Online bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat online processing fee.)

The telephone ticket booking line can be contacted on 01744 756000 between 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, or alternatively visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.

*Disclaimer - This post is based on a press release kindly provided by BEA. Details provided are believed to be correct at the time of writing but can be subject to change. I would therefore always recommend visiting the venues own website in order to obtain the most up to date information.

The Snowman including We're Going on a Bear Hunt at Chester Cathedral - A Review

Yesterday we visited the beautiful Chester Cathedral to watch The Snowman Tour including We're Going on a Bear Hunt. We have enjoyed this spectacular performance for several years now and it has become a firm favourite in our family. It has definitely secured its place amongst our treasured festive traditions and my son Riley couldn't wait to watch the show again once more, along with being able to enjoy one of his favourite bedtime stories in animated form. 

The show began with a welcome from Santa who initiated a roll call of the orchestra members. As each section was called such as Woodwind or Brass, the musicians would play a short piece of music to introduce themselves. I felt that this was a great idea for the younger members of the audience in order to help them understand the different instruments that made up the orchestra, as well as making them aware of their associated sounds. 

© Snowman Enterprises Limited / © Bear Hunt Films Limited MMXVI

Once Santa had finished his Zoom Face call, the first animated piece of the performance appeared upon the screen - the wonderful story of We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. The animation lasted approximately 25 minutes and told the story of a family who embark on an adventure to find a bear, whilst meeting various challenges along the way. I have read the story to my son numerous times over the years, so he was really excited to see it presented in an animation.

Following this, we were treated to the Snowman Waltz, which saw a lively Snowman walk around the Cathedral and wave to all the children. Riley really enjoyed this part and was really excited as he walked right in front of us. He enjoyed following his journey around the Cathedral and trying to spot whereabouts he was. It was great to hear all the exciteable laughter of the children in the audience.

As the Snowman character exited the main cathedral area, the lights dimmed once more and the audience fell silent again, as the moment we had all been waiting for commenced on the screen. From the moment the animation began, it felt truly magical, as The Snowman was brought to life upon the stage. I always try to make sure that I watch both the film and the orchestra at various intervals as I enjoy seeing the musicians perform, so I try and switch my focus between the two. I find that this really helps me to appreciate the music and the talented individuals on the stage.

When it came to the incredible song of We're Walking in the Air, I thought that the young soloist was absolutely superb with the most stunning of voices. My son was mesmerised as we watched him perform. I also felt that the conductor was marvellous in offering the soloist support throughout his performance with reassuring smiles and silently mouthing the words towards him just in case nerves got the better of him at any stage. I found this support quite heartwarming and I absolutely loved the encouragement on display.

Overall we had a really lovely time at Chester Cathedral watching The Snowman including We're Going on a Bear Hunt. It was a beautiful way to spend the afternoon together and the whole performance felt so Christmassy and special. I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere within the cathedral and I felt that the different parts of the show were presented well. The sound quality was excellent and we had no difficulty in hearing the different instruments and being able to focus on the various musical pieces. It was the perfect show to get us in the festive mood and we would absolutely recommend The Snowman Tour to families of all ages.

Image Credit © Gareth Widdowson

The full list of remaining tour dates can be found here - https://www.carrotproductions.com/snowman

If you would like to find out more about The Snowman Tour 2021 or about Carrot Productions, then you can visit their website or social media pages on the following channels:

Website - https://www.carrotproductions.com/

Facebook - facebook.com/carrotproductions

Twitter - @CarrotProd

Instagram - @carrot_productions

YouTube - CarrotProductions

*Disclaimer - We were provided with complimentary press tickets for the purpose of writing an honest review of our experience. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Details provided in this post are believed to be correct at the time of writing, but can be subject to change. I would therefore always recommend visiting the production's own website in order to obtain the most up to date information.