Panto legend Iain Lauchlan to play Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk

13/11/2013

This Christmas Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre is providing festive fun for all the family in its magical pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, which is running on the Main Stage from Weds 27 Nov to Sun 5 Jan.

Following his spectacular return to the Belgrade stage in last year’s panto, Coventry’s panto legend Iain Lauchlan will don the frocks once again to play Dame Trott.

The action takes place on Dame Trott’s farm in Merrydale, where she lives with her sons Jack and Simon. The credit crunch is really biting as they haven’t a bean to their name; their friendly cow, Daisy, has gone dry and worse still the village is being destroyed by the evil giant Blunderbore.

His wicked henchman Fleshcreep has stolen the magic harp of Merrydale and kidnapped the beautiful Princess. Led by hero Jack, the Trott family embark on an all-out adventure to save the day, retrieve the harp and win the heart of the Princess.

As ever, the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk will be told in true Belgrade style with colourful characters, spectacular scenery, stupendous costumes, hilarious slapstick and bags of audience participation.

Iain Lauchlan said, “I had such a brilliant time being back at the Belgrade last Christmas and entertaining such appreciative audiences. I’m excited to be returning for Jack and the Beanstalk, which is one of my favourites. As well as playing Dame Trott I will also be directing the show again, but I must say that being on stage will be the icing on the cake…..or is it lemon meringue pie? Either way I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again!”

Iain Lauchlan holds legendary status in Coventry following 12 unforgettable years as Dame in Belgrade pantomimes between 1988 and 1999. Prior to last year’s performance in Sleeping Beauty, he was last seen on the Belgrade stage in 2007 when he made a spectacular, one off return to play the Dame in Aladdin to celebrate the reopening of the theatre after its £14 million redevelopment project.

When he’s not working on pantomimes, Iain has also created numerous children’s television shows, including The Tweenies and Playdays.

Also returning to the Belgrade for Jack and the Beanstalk this year is Craig Hollingsworth, who received much acclaim as the dame’s trusty sidekick Muddles in last year’s panto. The cast also includes Coventry born actors Alyssa Martyn as Jack and Aaron Gibson who leads the ensemble.

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are available now from the Belgrade’s Box Office on 024 7655 3055 priced from £13.50 to £22.25, with child and concession tickets from £10.50. Family tickets are priced from £36 to £62 and cheaper tickets can be purchased online via www.belgrade.co.uk.