Fe fi fo fum. A giant of a panto, Jack and the Beanstalk is on its way to the Alhambra theatre, Bradford this festive season and you are all in for a fantastic time.
Upon walking into the theatre for the press launch of the pantomime, I felt like I had stepped into Christmas early. I was greeted by two giants, the traditional panto cow, and the stars of the show, reigning king of the jungle Danny Miller (also known from his recurring Emmerdale role playing Aaron Dingle), takes on the role of Jack Trot, the fabulous Divina De Campo who hails from Yorkshire and possibly the most fabulous drag queen whose name is on everybody’s lips, (best known for her role on RuPaul’s Drag race finishing runner up), plays The Spirit Of The Beans, Bradford theatre legend Billy Pearce, who plays Farmer Billy and all round theatre queen the brilliant Sarah Goggin who takes on the evil role of Mrs Blunderbore. I just knew walking in and seeing the down to earth talented cast we are all in for a magical panto season treat this Christmas.
The cast took the afternoon off their gruelling schedules to give me an exclusive for H&N Magazine on the run up to the opening night on the 10th December.
First up I had a sit down with Alhambra Theatre pantomime legend the one and only Billy Pearce. As soon as I walked into the room, he had me in fits of laughter. Billy told me he is absolutely thrilled to be asked back for his 23rd pantomime In Bradford and feels like the luckiest man in the world. Billy makes the pantomime and will always be the star of the show.
Speaking frankly, Billy said no matter what age a person is they will enjoy the show because there is something for everyone. Speaking of his love for Christmas, Billy told me how he loves spending time with family and cooking a big homemade Christmas dinner on Christmas Day.
King of the jungle Danny Miller is very excited to be performing at the Alhambra taking on the lead role of Jack Trott. Danny who only lives in Stockport, is a down to earth lad with the world at his feet and he gave me a little exclusive, telling me that his favourite Christmas film has to be the classic Bridget Jones. Danny is looking forward to making Christmas memories here in Bradford and can’t wait to see all the magic in people’s faces.
Divina De Campo, what an absolute legend, little did I know before sitting down and putting the world to rights with the RuPauls drag race runner up, he hails from Brighouse and has a bigger love for all things Yorkshire than myself!
With a distinctive laugh and down to earth nature, I think DDC is my absolute new favourite person. Divina is thrilled to be taking the stage as the spirit of the beans this festive season and is proud to be performing on home turf. The perfect Christmas for Divina is sitting back, relaxing with her family and eating and drinking the day away watching The Muppets Christmas Carol.
Taking on the role of the pantomime baddie this year is the queen of panto land, the amazingly talented Sarah Goggin who is performing her 5th panto at the Alhambra. The down to earth Irish lass is humbled to be back on Yorkshire turf taking on the role of Mrs Blunderbore. A perfect Christmas for Sarah is spending time with her family, putting on her favourite outfit and relaxing
I think it is safe to say that everyone who is heading to Bradford for Jack and the Beanstalk, are in for an absolute treat and a few surprises along the way, I for one can’t wait to feast my eyes on the show and the fabulous cast!
We love panto season – what about you? Oh yes you do!
Jack and the Beanstalk opens up at Bradford Alhambra on Saturday 10th December and runs until Sunday 22nd January 2023.
Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment! I’ll see you there.
Review written by Shannon Palmer (Yorkshire Food Blogger of the Year 2022) @thelittlelifeofshazzap
