A much anticipated event in the town’s calendar is the annual Town Pantomime, and for 2020 local group Corvus Amateur Drama Society (CADS) is presenting Jack and the Beanstalk by Tom Whalley (who wrote this year’s hilarious Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates).
The show is being directed by Nicky Paton, whom many readers will know either from his previous appearances on stage or as Manager of the Royston Cave or as a member of the committee of Creative Royston (and compere at this year’s hugely enjoyable and ground-breaking burlesque evening at the Old Bull!)
The story features fearless juvenile Jack, his ‘daft-as-a-brush’ brother Simple Simon, and his long suffering mother Dame Trott, all of whom live in a tiny cottage in the shadow of the terrible giant Blunderbore. With the rent overdue they have no choice but to sell their beloved pet cow Daisy. After tricking the Trotts into selling her for a bag of worthless beans, the villainous henchman Fleshcreep kidnaps the Princess for the giant’s supper… Could Jack be the hero the village has been waiting for? Will he be able to rescue Daisy and Princess Jill in time? Perhaps those beans aren’t as worthless as they seemed!
Nicky says, “I still remember watching my first CADS pantomime at the age of seven and being completely enthralled by its magic. I’ve since been lucky enough to be a part of them and now I’m thrilled to be making my directorial debut in this iconic pantomime. (Oh yes I am!) It feels like a giant responsibility to live up to the extraordinary shows that have preceded it, but I’m lucky enough to have the support of the most wonderful team and an exceptionally talented cast. I can’t wait to share their magic with the Royston audience!”
Nicky and musical director Louise Atkins have been working hard for weeks now with a cast that includes many regular CADS members, as well as a supporting chorus – including a few new faces – that represents some of the area’s talented youngsters.
Jack and the Beanstalk is being performed at King James Academy, Senior Site (formerly Meridian School) on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Friday 31st January and Saturday 1st February, with evening performances at 7.30 and matinees on both Saturdays at 2.00. Tickets are £12 each (or £6 for OAPs, children and students) and can be bought online via the group’s website www.cadsroyston.org.uk or by ringing the CADS box office on 07925 674967.
24th, 25th and 31st January and 1st February, King James Academy Royston – Senior Site, Garden Walk, SG8 7JH
