Lichfield Garrick is full of beans for this year’s Giant panto - Jack and the Beanstalk. 2024 sees the welcome return of Sam Rabone as Dame Trott alongside Ben Thornton as Billy, so puns and gags-so-bad-they’re-good are definitely on the menu - alongside legumes.

The comedy twosome are joined by Becky Sanneh as Jack Trott, and Midlands funnywoman Gill Jordan appears as Fairy Sugarsnap - returning to the stage after doing the panto rounds as Doreen Tipton. 

Joe Feeney represents the side of evil as Luke Backinanger, with a wandering, ambiguously European accent - intentional, of course, to avoid offending any particular nation. Not forgetting Dave the Cow, played by Clarice Julianda, and the all-singing, all-dancing ensemble.

The show is once again produced in partnership with renowned panto company Evolution, and written by Paul Hendy. It’s dripping with old-fashioned panto fun - a slice of well-rounded family entertainment, which begins with a nod to the real-life magic of the theatre. Gill Jordan’s fabulous fairy appears on stage in a puff of smoke, and the curtain rises on… a half-assembled stage.

Not to worry - with a wave of Fairy Sugarsnap’s magic wand, everything falls into place, and Jack’s humble village is conjured up in a flash. It’s a nice touch, paying homage to the fact that your local pantomime performance is often a child’s first introduction into the world of theatre - and offering a glimpse behind the scenes.

Once the show begins, all the ingredients are present and correct for a classic panto, with Dame Trott’s extravagant outfits (from comedy wig to croc-clad feet), silly versions of songs (‘Working at the Cow Wash’, anyone?) and slapstick slosh. While the 90s Boy Band routine would surely go down well with any Millennials in the audience (ahem…) it might fly over the heads of the younger generations - but panto does cater to all ages. 

There’s an appearance from a real life four-legged friend, who was an audience favourite, and the sets are as big, bold and bombastic as would be expected at one of the region’s biggest pantos. And any batchelors in the audience - make sure you’re dressed to the nines. Dame Trott is on the lookout for a new boyfriend…

Now Christmas is firmly on the horizon it’s time to get into the festive spirit - and whether you’re thoroughly excitable, a bit of a scrooge, or even an old cow, there’s sure to be a kindred spirit on stage at the Lichfield Garrick. Get ready to climb the beanstalk, and join the fun!