Kids’ TV hero leads online extravaganza
BBC children’s television star creates Jack and the Beanstalk Online
Christmas is far from cancelled in Coventry as the Belgrade Theatre prepares to host its first online pantomime. Specially created in response to ongoing restrictions on indoor performances, Jack and the Beanstalk Online will be available to stream at home throughout December.
The show is written and directed by the Belgrade’s regular panto Dame Iain Lauchlan, who will also play a number of characters in the show, alongside his regular comedy co-star Craig Hollingsworth.
The show will also feature a special cameo appearance from BBC CWR’s Trish Adudu, as well as a junior chorus of eight local children who are rehearsing and filming in a separate bubble.
With a career spanning over 40 years in the children’s entertainment industry, Iain Lauchlan worked on BBC’s Playschool for eight years, as well as the very successful Fingermouse series, along with Playdays, Storytime and Fun Song Factory.
But he is perhaps best known as the writer of the Bafta award-winning children’s television series, The Tweenies.
Jack and the Beanstalk Online will be his 26th Belgrade Theatre pantomime.
The show tells how life has been turned upsidedown in the bustling village of Prickly Bottom. As if the COVID-17½ lockdown wasn’t bad enough, the unhappy villagers are also being plagued by an outbreak of theft, thanks to an evil Giant and his horrible henchman Fleshcreep.
When they steal the enchanted harp that helps keep Prickly Bottom safe and prosperous, it’s up to lockdown layabout Jack Trott to save the day. But will he be able to turn over a new leaf in time to be the hero the village needs? Find out when this one-of-a-kind festive experience brings the magic of panto into the comfort of your home.
Jack and the Beanstalk Online is produced by Belgrade Film and Digital Ltd, an independent film production arm set up by the Belgrade Theatre Trust. The show is created and written by Iain Lauchlan. Production services are provided by Sugarswell Studios Ltd.
The Belgrade Theatre Trust is a registered charity. This means that all the money given, raised or earned is not distributed as profit but kept and reinvested in the work that it does. It is reliant on the support of its donors and sponsors to ensure that we can continue to develop its artistic and educational work.
Jack and the Beanstalk Online will be available to stream at home until December 31.
Visit www.belgrade.co.uk to book.