The junior cast is made up of eight children from Norfolk aged 10 to 12 and features four cast members who have previously performed in last year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington and his Cat.
The rising stars come from various schools across Norfolk, including Buxton Primary School, Caister Academy, Hobart High School, Langley Prep School, Loddon Junior School, Notre Dame Prep School, Reepham Primary School and Wymondham College.
The eight performers were selected from the amazing talent Norfolk has to offer through a video application followed by in-person auditions.
The young performers will be playing the child roles of Bill and Beau in this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. The pair are two local school children in Norwich who are good friends of Jack and try to help him succeed in life but are hungry because all money goes to the giant.
The junior cast met together yesterday for the first time in Norwich Theatre Stage Two to gather photographs and videos. Rachel Lloyd, Programming Manager & Producer at Norwich Theatre, said: “I have been blown away by this year’s junior cast. Jack and the Beanstalk promises even more music, magic and laughter, and our junior cast plays an integral role in creating a festive treat for the entire family.”
Harry Clark said: “I like acting and performing, and I was in the panto last year, and I am excited and can’t wait to be performing on stage again.”
Cameron Eiko Scott said: “Last year, I just had the most magical experience, and everyone on last year’s show was so supportive. I am so excited to meet everyone and can’t wait to get started.”
Tallulah Godfrey said: “I really enjoy performing in theatre, so I thought I would give it a go, and I am excited to meet everyone today.”
Danny Gooda said: “I love acting and really like comedies, and panto is all about the comedy, so when I saw the audition, I thought, let’s try it again. Last year, it was amazing to spend time with the cast and crew, who were lovely. It felt like a family. I am looking forward to spending time with everyone again.”
Iris Harker-Smith said: “This has always been a dream, so when I went for an audition, I was really excited. I can’t wait to meet and perform in front of everyone.”
Valentina Santos said: “I love to perform. I have always loved it, I want to be an actor when I grow up, and this is a great experience. I am really excited to be back as it was so lovely last year.”
Rory Sexton said: “I love pantos. It is something fun the whole panto gets to enjoy. I’m super excited to see what happens when we climb the beanstalk.”
Archie Woodward said: “I have watched the panto every year, and I have always wanted to be in it. I am excited to see the rehearsal process and make new friends.”
Jack and the Beanstalk tells the story of hero Jack, who swaps his family’s cow for a bag of magic beans. By climbing the beanstalk of the beans he planted, he finds himself on a GIANT adventure.
The show will be jam-packed full of slapstick comedy, laugh-out-loud gags, outrageous costumes, dazzling song and dance numbers and plenty of chances to cheer, boo and hiss.
Joining the children on stage will Rufus Hound, who will take on the role of King Nigel of Norwich. Rufus is best known for making people laugh as a stand-up comedian and for his stretch on Celebrity Juice and the voice of Waffle the Wonderdog.
Joe Tracini will play the lead role of Jack, who won the hearts and minds of last year’s audiences as Tommy the Cat. Joe was recognised for changing perceptions and raising awareness of mental health through his pantomime performance in this role, receiving the Special Recognition Award at the 2022 Pantomime Awards.
Also featuring is Amanda Henderson from BBC’s Casualty, Britain’s Got Talent’s Linda John-Pierre, EastEnders’ Dayle Hudson, improv comedian Sally Hodgkiss and Norwich’s favourite panto dame, Richard Gauntlett.
Jack and the Beanstalk tells the story of hero Jack, who swaps his family’s cow for a bag of magic beans. By climbing the beanstalk of the beans he planted, he finds himself on a GIANT adventure.
The show will be jam-packed full of slapstick comedy, laugh-out-loud gags, outrageous costumes, dazzling song and dance numbers and plenty of chances to cheer, boo and hiss.
