Stars of stage, screen and TV assemble at Birmingham’s Hippodrome Theatre to officially launch the world’s biggest pantomime! 

‘Loose Woman’ and National treasure Jane McDonald, Blue singer and heartthrob Duncan James, Corrie star Chris Gascoyne, comedy legend Gary Wilmot, panto princess Robyn Mellor and co-stars Paul Zerdin and Matt Slack took to the stage at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre theatre this afternoon in their frocks and finests to officially launch the City’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime, which begins performances tomorrow evening (December 19) and runs into the New Year.

Beanstalk marks singer-songwriter McDonald’s pantomime debut, having been previously tied to the likes of ITV’s Loose Women and touring commitments over festive seasons in the past. 

“I’m absolutely petrified,” she explained when we chatted to her about the show earlier in the year, “but I’m also looking forward to it so much.”

“I’m going to be flying in on wires, doing a lot of comedy… there’s going to be fantastic outfits [and] I’m working with an amazing cast, so it couldn’t be better.”

“I’ve started at the very top, which is quite daunting really!”

Mcdonald speaks of the Hippodrome celebrating its tradition of putting on the biggest pantomime in the world - over 85,000 tickets have already been snapped up for this year’s show, with pantomime enthusiasts from as far afield as Glasgow, Plymouth, Swansea and even Ireland trading all their magic beans for a chance to come see the show. 

This year’s production has added nostalgia given that Jack and the Beanstalk was the first ever pantomime to be put on at the Hippodrome, back in 1957 when radio actress Beryl Reid appeared, complete with Brummie accent and her Marelene character from Educating Archie. 

This production, now the eighth of Jack and the Beanstalk to have been played at the Theatre, features spectacular 3D, a magical beanstalk, pantomime magic, stunning costumes and lots of family fun. 

“There’s going to be everything thrown at this,” McDonald continued, “it’ just the best, it really is, so come and see us in Birmingham!”

 

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK is running at the BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME THEATRE from Friday 19 December 2015 to Sunday 1 February 2015.

CLICK HERE for more information on the show's run at the Hippodrome and to book your tickets directly.

Alternatively, telephone the Hippodrome's Box Office direct on 0844 338 5000.

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