Auditions for Hall for Cornwall panto Jack and the Beanstalk

For 2024 the Cornwall Playhouse is going green with a giant production of the fairytale classic Jack and the Beanstalk for its Christmas pantomime - perfect for kids of all ages and anyone who has ever dreamed of striking it rich.

The team behind Peter Pan in 2023 return with hapless Jack, his dear old mum and their beloved cow as they throw caution (and magic beans) to the wind.

Now the Hall for Cornwall has put out a casting call out to young people who love performing to be part of the the youth ensemble for this year’s Christmas panto.

It is casting two teams of young people to make up the youth ensemble, joining the professional cast for the production which runs from December 6 to 31.

Last year's youth ensemble for Peter Pan. Image: Hugh Hastings

Availability for rehearsals is required from November 4. Auditions will take place on September 7, with the theatre looking for brilliant youngsters from school years five to ten, or equivalent ages (nine to 14).

The theatre says is unable to audition anyone going into Year 11 GCSE or who is 15 or older on August 1, 2024.

The closing date for applications August 19, 2024.Visit www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/join-our-pantomime-cast to apply.

Auditions take place in September. Image: Hugh Hastings

Those preferring to watch from the comfort of the audience will be able to join the heroes in spirit as they head for the clouds to explore a mysterious beanstalk that’s taken root faster than a Kernow cabbage. Where will the plant lead, can Jack save the family’s fortunes and who last sharpened the axe?

Expect giants, golden eggs, a sackful of plant-based jokes and more festive fun than you can shake a beanstalk at, as cast and audiences set off on an unforgettable feelgood adventure.

Running time is expected to be around two hours, including a 20 minute interval.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at £15. People are encouraged to book early for the best prices and availability.

Family packs can be bought across three bands, costing between £82 and £126, as a package of two adult tickets and two child tickets available for off-peak performances (between December 7 and 15) and can be paid in full now or across multiple instalments if booked before September 1.

There are 50 family packs available per off-peak performance, with a maximum of two family packs per buyer.

 

For this year's pantomime the Hall for Cornwall has announced its widest access to date, including a new Assisted Performance format.

These performances include BSL Interpreted, Captioned, Audio Described, Touch Tours, Relaxed Performances and, for the first time, a Chilled Performance, designed to allow for noise and movement in the theatre, with a re-entry policy allowing anyone who may need time away from the performance at any time.

Alongside the new Chilled Performance on Sunday, December 8, at 11am, there will also be Relaxed Performances available for family audiences and, also for the first time, a dedicated Relaxed Performance for schools. Relaxed Performances take a similarly flexible approach to audience noise and movement, but also includes technical changes with adjustments to lighting, sound and pyrotechnic effects for those with sensory sensitivities.

The Hall for Cornwall festive pantomime is returning for another year, this time as Jack and the Beanstalk. Image: Hugh Hastings

Jack And The Beanstalk producer and the theatre's deputy creative director Helen Tiplady said: "We've listened to representatives from Cornish disability groups, schools and our community and are really pleased to be presenting a broader range of Assisted Performances this year.

"We're committed to providing a supportive atmosphere for our audiences, enabling the greatest number of people in Cornwall to experience the magic of theatre.

"We'll keep working on this, continuing dialogue with audiences and advocacy groups, deepening access to, and enjoyment of, what Hall for Cornwall does."

The full Assisted Performance schedule, as well as booking details for all performances, can be found at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk/#Tickets_in