After the Beanstalk (a Plantomime!)

There was a time when an annual Pantomime was a regular seasonal event in the life of Bletchingley Village. As part of Bletchfest's programme of community focused arts events we're delighted to reintroduce the art of Pantomime to the Village.

Though many think the seasonal pantomime a quintessentially British tradition it has its roots in comic performances in the streets of Italy known as commedia dell’arte. These traditions have evolved into the modern form we now see in the joyous seasonal performances of good inclusive family entertainment.  With the energy of the music hall harnessed to Victorian Burlesque, the buffoonery of the harlequinade and archetypal comic plots in its modern form Pantomimes are performed for family audiences around the Christmas and New Year holidays and incorporates fairytale storylines and fancy dress costumes, with slapstick, buffoonery, music, song, jokes and audience participation.

Bletchfest's production of After the Beanstalk, by Andrew Yates, tells the story of Jack after he had escaped from the Giant and cut down the beanstalk. Did he live happily ever after in peaceful retirement? Or were there more adventures ahead of him? You'll find out as our story answers those questions and introduces a number of new colourful comic characters as they discover the secrets of Jack's earlier life which may not have been too easily forgotten by some!

Join us as, over two Acts with an intermission of 30 minutes, we reveal all in full Pantomime style with all the colourful costumes and characters, slapstick comedy, knockabout humour, song, dance and audience participation you would expect from a traditional Panto.

There will be two performances on Saturday January 6th. A matinee performance at 2:00 pm and an evening performance at 7 pm with doors opening one hour before performance times. When booking tickets please make sure you book for the performance time you wish to attend.

A licensed bar will operate prior to each performance and during the intermission.

Tickets are priced at the community friendly price of just £3 per seat so do bring the whole family.

You'll have lots of fun! Oh yes you will!