Rasheeda makes her return to Grand for pantomime debut
THE Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl has announced the family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk has now been fully cast.
Alongside the previously announced Jolyon Dixon as Dame Trot, Nathan Guy as Simple Simon and Rebecca Craven as the Fairy, are Jeremy Cave as Fleshcreep, Jessie Lilley as Jack, Rasheeda Ali as Princess Tamara and Jamie Anderson as the King of Merrydale. Rasheeda hails from Bridgend. She said: “I used to come to Bridgend Youth Theatre at the Grand Pavilion and so I’ve spent a lot of time at this very theatre and I am delighted to be making my panto debut here.
“There’s always been such a great selection of productions at the Grand Pavilion. I’ve seen musicals like The King and I and South Pacific, I’ve seen pantomimes here and even Giselle the ballet.”
It has already been a busy year for Rasheeda, who has played the role of Pinky in Meera Syal’s Anita and Me at Theatre Royal Stratford East and as Deepika in Bring on the Bollywood at the Belgrade Theatre.
For co-star Jeremy Cave it will be his first time in Porthcawl, but his second playing Fleshcreep.
He said: “Fleshcreep is definitely my favourite character to play in the panto world: who doesn’t want to play the baddie really?
“It’s great – the character himself is so flamboyant. I get to strut around stage like a combination of Elvis and Russell Brand and make fun of everyone, great stuff!”
The show runs from December 9 until December 31. Contact the box office on 01656 815995.