North West End was once again thrilled to be invited over to Sheffield to witness the final stages of rehearsal for Manor Operatic Societies annual pantomime which is set to be performed at the magnificent City Hall in Sheffield from the 27th December until the 8th January 2017. This year they are presenting Jack and the Beanstalk, and from what we saw in the rehearsal room it is set to be their biggest ever production.
We believe once again this is the biggest amateur pantomime in the UK, and probably the world and sees many familiar faces from previous productions returning to the City Hall stage alongside some new members of the society. This year the brand new original script from Hands On Productions is packed full of local references and songs we all know and love, adapted to match the city of Sheffield.
Leading the cast is James Smith, fresh from his role as PT Barnum in May’s stunning production of the circus musical, playing Jack alongside his Princess, Emily Mae Hoyland. As ever in Manor pantomime the dame is played by the superb Robert Spink. Good versus evil is played out by Christina Rice and Emma Holmes respectively and Chris Hanlon provides possibly some of the worst jokes ever (so bad they are good)!
Once again, the music is under the direction of Andy Collis. Producer and director Richard Bradford and co-director and choreographer Linda Kelly look to have had a huge amount of fun bringing this show to the stage and we can’t wait until opening night to see their visions become reality.
With every production Manor produce they just seem to get better and bigger! Speaking to the production team at rehearsals they revealed to us some of the things we can expect to see during the show. Of course, there is a cow and a hen that lays golden eggs, what production of this show would be complete without? But they are not the only animals you will see in City Hall this Christmas. We are sworn to secrecy on this one, but rest assured the final scene of act 1 promises to be epic, and one that will remain in your mind for a long time.
Jack and the Beanstalk plays at Sheffield City Hall from the 27th December 2016 - 8th January 2017 and tickets (subject to booking fees) at Sheffield City Hall are available online at www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk through the ticket hotline on 0114 2789 789 and in person at the Sheffield City Hall Box Office.
