Jack and the Beanstalk panto to run at refurbished Broadway Theatre in Catford

A Jack and the Beanstalk panto will run at the newly refurbished Broadway in Catford this festive period.

Newly formed production company, Joy Productions, led by producer Julie Clare and co-producer Chuchu Nwagu have entered into a partnership with the refurbished Grade II venue to programme their annual pantomime.

2023 will see Susie McKenna write and direct Jack and the Beanstalk, running from 15 December, with previews from 13 December, to 31 December.

The cast includes Siobhan Athwal, Derek Elroy, Ben Fox, Evelyn Hoskins, Wayne Rollins and Durone Stokes. The voice of the harp will be played by Sharon D. Clarke and the voice of the Giant by Cavin Cornwall.

Jack, his Mum and their cow Caroline live in the Kingdom of Lewishfarm and life is tough; the people are poorer, and the rich are getting richer.

Everyone is at the mercy of Giant Blunderbore and his evil cockroach henchman Boris (who, by the way, secretly wants to destroy humanity).

Will Jack fulfil his destiny? Will Caroline the Cow become a Tik Tok star? Will Jack’s Mum find love in the audience?

This is truly a pantomime for South London, with a kickin’ band, a funky Giant, magic beans, slapstick routines, laughs and silliness galore with plenty of boos, cheers and soulful songs you know and love to keep you singing all the way all the way through!

Susie McKenna said: “Pantomime has been a huge part of my career for 40 years, not least my 22 years at the helm of the critically acclaimed Hackney Empire panto. After a break of three years from the genre, I am over the moon and excited to be embarking on a new Pantomime adventure at the beautiful Broadway theatre, working with Joy Productions. My mum lived in South East London for over 20 years so I can’t wait to create a show for the area that truly reflects the dynamic energy and diversity of this community – something every generation can feel true pride in and ownership of.”

Julie Clare commented: “It means so much to me that we are bringing the joy of panto to Lewisham this Christmas and that we’re doing it with truly diverse onstage, creative and backstage teams including as many local residents as possible. As someone who has lived in Catford for 22 years, Broadway is my local theatre, and I couldn’t be more delighted to be working with them to make something by Lewisham, for Lewisham.”

Chuchu Nwagu added: “My first experience of theatre was my local panto in north London, and it’s what gave me the bug to work in the industry in the first place. It’s this experience we want to extend to others – to give them their first experience of theatre; and also to build a much needed inroad into the industry for Global Majority and working class talent to build a sustainable future.”

For more information and tickets, visit broadwaytheatre.org.uk