Cheltenham Playhouse’s panto is a giant production for professional and young actors alike

It’s not just the creature at the top of the beanstalk that is giant in this year’s Cheltenham Playhouse panto, so are the ambitions of 20 young people selected to perform alongside its cast of professional actors – including Rosie Weston and Charlie Burt – throughout the Christmas season. The professionals behind the historic theatre’s festive extravaganza are welcoming young actors from one of the county’s leading drama schools, Theatre Studio, in celebration of the school’s 40th year.

The Cheltenham Playhouse’s panto has become a banner event for the county, with over 90 per cent of last year’s performances selling out. This year’s production is directed by Kieran Mortell, himself a graduate of Theatre Studio.

‘Bringing a fun, different, contemporary family pantomime to the Playhouse is such a joy,’ he says. ‘We like to take a twist on the traditional pantomime and utilise a space that’s intimate enough for everyone to feel part of the performance! Part of what makes the Playhouse panto so special is the theatre itself – it has such history and atmosphere, and that really adds to the audience experience.’

Twenty young people from Theatre Studio will take centre-stage during performances, with two groups of ten sharing the shows between them.

‘The idea is to make Jack and the Beanstalk the Gloucestershire community’s panto’ ‘The idea is to make Jack and the Beanstalk the Gloucestershire community’s panto’ (Image: Cheltenham Playhouse) ‘Growing up in Gloucestershire, Theatre Studio was such an important part of my training,’ says Kieron. ‘Getting to create work alongside working professionals is so exciting. This panto features pro actors who are performing in theatres up and down the country all year-round, so having them in Cheltenham for Christmas is a real treat for our audiences. And they love sharing their experiences with the local youngsters, too.’

Kieron Milsom is joined by Matt Nolan on production of this year’s panto, which is sponsored by Tarren Productions’ Winter Glow.

‘The Playhouse is Cheltenham’s community theatre,’ continues Kieron, who is also the theatre’s current chief executive. ‘Jack and the Beanstalk is an all-signing, all-dancing panto that will look glorious onstage – the quality really is amazing this year. We’re also committed to making sure everyone can see a great panto this year, and that’s why we’re keeping ticket prices as affordable as we can.

‘The idea is to make Jack and the Beanstalk the Gloucestershire community’s panto – a great night out that everyone can enjoy, and that works a little magic of its own. Who knows… maybe you’ll also see a star of tomorrow!’

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Cheltenham Playhouse from Friday, December 13 to Monday, January 5, 2025. Tel: 01242 522852 or visit cheltplayhouse.org.uk