WITH Christmas just around the corner, pantomime preparations at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru are in full swing ahead of its 2024 production, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Comprising 35 shows during a three-week run from December 7-29, the festive adventure stars CBeebies’ Ben Cajee as Jack, and TV and theatre star Jennifer Ellison as Poison Ivy, while funny man John Evans returns to Llandudno as Simon Trott.
The panto tells the story of the Trotts, who are so poor that they don’t even have a bean to their name and face having to sell the family cow - and what’s more, there’s an evil giant terrifying the village.
Audiences can expect to see Jack attempt to defeat the giant, win the heart of the girl he loves, and change his family’s fortunes.
Perhaps best known for playing Emily Shadwick in soap opera Brookside, Jennifer Ellison, who hails from Liverpool, is delighted to have the opportunity to return to “gorgeous” Llandudno.
She said: “I used to come here as a kid, and my sons play rugby here quite a lot, so whenever they do, we have a day out.
“It’s become a bit of a family thing. We just love it – the pier, the restaurants - it’s gorgeous.
“I play Poison Ivy, who’s the ‘baddie’ of the show. I want to bring some boos, really!
“There’s always going to be a villain in a panto – the kids absolutely love going crazy when the baddie comes on; that’s the best bit for me.
“I haven’t done panto for years. I just love the feeling of it, and how it’s not as serious as other things. If things go wrong, the audience get involved, and the kids are just so excited because of the time of the year - panto just has a different vibe.
“The script is really funny, so I think people are in for a good night out and a good laugh.”
Cast members met for the first time on Monday (November 25), having received the script about a week earlier.
For John Evans, dubbed a “Llandudno favourite” on the show’s poster, this is 14th year performing in a Venue Cymru pantomime.
Evans, from Wirral, is staying in the “lovely” Craig-y-Don during his time playing Simon Trott.
He said: “I love it here. I love the town, and the promenade is fantastic to go running along.
“The pubs and bars here are great, as well – Kings Head, The Albert, and Someplace Else, in Craig-y-Don, I really like.
“It’s like five seasons in every day in Llandudno! It’s a very friendly place; my wife and I often come here just for weekends. The people here are very genuine.
“Simon is the comic, really. He’s the son who’s a step behind everyone else. He’s more concerned with having a laugh and messing around - he’s one of those characters that drives the comedy.
“I like physical comedy, so I always try and go more in that direction, because the kids like that, but I try to make sure I hit things that both the kids and the adults will get.”
Evans, who said he prepares for pantomime but watching lots of children’s television, said rehearsals so far have been packed with laughter.
He has gelled seamlessly with his fellow cast members, who he had not worked with previously (aside from Mark Beauchamp, who plays the king).
Those coming along, he said, can expect “a lot of laughs, some great music, a fantastic set, and a wonderful giant – it’ll be a great afternoon or evening out!”
Evans added: "There’s a fantastic bit at the end where we pick four kids out of the audience for a song.
“We’ve got a fantastic routine this year for them to do; it’s going to be amazing. I think a lot of people will enjoy that bit, which is always lovely, because you’re the one driving it.”
For Ben Cajee, who has featured on CBeebies, Blue Peter, BBC Teach Live Lessons, and MOTD Kickabout, this is his second crack at panto, having starred in a 60-show run of Aladdin in Wolverhampton two years ago.
“I’m trying to sing, dance and be funny in this! Dancing and singing is quite a bit out of my comfort zone - I’ve done it before, but it’s not something that comes naturally to me.
“When I started CBeebies, they wanted me to be more like a ‘big brother’, rather than all-singing, all-dancing. This is different because it’s very performance-based and larger than life, but that’s fun for me.”
Cajee hadn’t met any of his fellow cast members before rehearsals started, nor had he visited Llandudno before a day trip this summer, but he’s taken to them, and the town, instantly.
“Everyone’s been really lovely, and that helps,” he said.
“Llandudno has a really nice atmosphere, and the views are amazing. On Sunday, when I arrived, the sunset was incredible.
“It feels like a really fresh and spacious place; when you walk along the prom, you don’t feel penned in. There’s a nice feel in the town - it’s bustling, but not too busy.
“The whole point of panto is that it’s inclusive, and works on different levels. Hopefully, there are things for the kids to get involved in, and there are gags that they might not understand but the adults will.
“The songs are amazing, and so are the costumes and sets. Hopefully, everyone will be able to take something from it.”
Tickets are on sale now for Jack at the Beanstalk – to secure yours, visit Venue Cymru’s website.
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