Jack and The Beanstalk

The Gatehouse team sat down with three of our JACK AND THE BEANSTALK stars; Wink Taylor, Wendy Abrahams and, of course, Theo The Mouse…

Hi everyone! Are you happy to be returning to Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre this Christmas?

Wendy: Yes! It’s our third time at the Stafford Gatehouse.

Wink: We’re immensely looking forward to it.

Theo: I’m not bothered.

Wink: All right, Theo, that’s enough! Stop messing around!

Wendy: I’m so looking forward to returning Stafford, I think it’s a beautiful theatre. The audiences are fantastic. They’re up for anything, which is just as well with Theo about…

Theo: Hey! If you don’t mind, I’m one of the reasons why the ticket sales were so good! We broke all box office records.

Wendy: We did – it was a sellout!

Wink: So, that’s your get tickets quick message – Theo is a marketing manager’s dream!

Which characters are you playing in Jack and the Beanstalk?

Wendy: Well, I’m going to be playing the fairy role and Theo is going to be my sidekick. You’re going to be working in the dairy, aren’t you?

Theo: Yeah, I’m the chief cheese taster! I’m going to eat all the props and everyone will say, ‘Oh no, not that mouse. I camembert him!’

Wendy: (Groans) I’m so sorry, it’s all started way too early.

Wink: Oh, Edam you all. I’ll tell you what, Theo’s cheesy by nature, he really is!

So, I’m going to be playing Squire Penkridge. I’m going to speak in a very upper crust accent, and basically play a total fool. So, it’s a semi-autobiographical role!

What are you most looking forward to in panto this year?

Wendy: That we’re back with the lovely Mark Rhodes! We worked together last year in Beauty and the Beast.

Wink: Yeah, Mark’s lovely! Part of what was so great working with him last year was we didn’t realise just what an excellent physical comedian he is. We’re aiming to take the slapstick comedy up a notch even further.

Wendy: Oh yes, I think it’s going to be on another level this year.

Wink: One of the other lovely things about coming back to Stafford is we get to work with the sensational David Phipps-Davis again, one of the finest dames in the country. We’ve done so many pantos now and Dave just made us laugh every single day. His improvisational skills were something to be in awe of. To work with Dave and Mark again is just an absolute pleasure.

Wendy: It was such a blast last year; we can’t wait to get started!

Have you performed in Jack and the Beanstalk before?

Wendy: You know out of the 21 pantomimes I’ve done, I have never been in Jack and the Beanstalk. It’s one I’ve always wanted to do for the last 10 years or so – I love the story, and I love the look of it. I’m just so excited!

Wink: I have performed in Jack and the Beanstalk before, and it’s actually one of my favourite pantos out of the 25 I’ve done! Because you have that moment that all the children are waiting for – in this case the giant – and you’re building up to that. It gives the show a real narrative drive. Plus our writer Eric Potts has managed to write Theo in extremely well.

Theo: Oh, that’s good. Do I have to pay him? (laughs)

Wink: No, you don’t have to pay him. But he’s written you as a very integral part of the story, but I’m not going to give anything away!

Wendy: Maybe he’ll be giving the giant’s toes a nibble – I suppose a giant’s feet would be quite cheesy!

Theo: Oh, when do we start?!

So, can we expect Theo to be just as mischievous in this year’s panto?

Wink: Oh yes! Last year people were cheering for Wendy and Theo as soon as they arrived.

Wendy: They just know that something naughty and funny is going to happen.

Theo: How dare you Wendy, you’ll be hearing from my solicitors!

Wendy: I think he’s going to be far naughtier this year, for some reason…

Theo: I’m not making promises I can’t keep!

And finally, why do you think people should come and see Jack and the Beanstalk this year?

Wendy: This year it’s going to be even bigger, even better, more colourful, there’s more magic, more slapstick, more comedy. It’s just going to be a feast for the eyes and something for every member of the family. All ages can sit down and enjoy a wonderful feel-good fun show, and we can’t wait to come and put it on for you guys!

Theo: So, book your tickets now!

Get ready for lots of laughs, music, dancing, and even magic beans as Jack battles to outwit the great big giant, land riches beyond his wildest dreams, and win the hand of his true love. Will Jack climb that giant beanstalk and achieve his happily ever after? All will be revealed in the panto spectacular Jack and the Beanstalk at the Gatehouse this Christmas.