Hello again, Fairy Aubergine here! Thanks for all your help finding Jack. You were right, he was looking right down at us at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre!
As you know, our pantomime rehearsals are top secret, but Jack has managed to sneak a peek at this year’s performance! To teach him a lesson, his tickets for this year’s panto are well and truly confiscated!
Instead, I’d like to give the two tickets away to someone more deserving, so if you can help me find him again, you could win a free pair of tickets for this year’s rock 'n' roll panto!
He’s left us another clue, here it is...
In this ancient house where royalty once stayed,
Some say it’s haunted, but I’m not afraid!
Built on the high street it’ll catch your eye,
It’s hard to ignore ‘cause this town house is high.
It dominates the skyline with its fine Tudor frame,
But can you give this building its name?
If you think you might know the answer to this week’s riddle, comment below with your name, email address and answer to be in with a chance of winning.
We will announce the winner on Friday afternoon and our press and marketing officer, Emma Hogan, will be in touch via email to arrange getting your panto tickets to you.
More information on this year’s rock ‘n’ roll panto can be found here.
Monday, 23 November 2015
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
Five lessons learned from fairytales
Aside from provoking an irrational fear of red apples, spindles and gingerbread houses, fairytales have taught us much more than to avoid anyone who goes by the name of Big Bad Wolf. What some think of as silly children’s stories can often become the foundations to prepare little ones for the realities of adult life. We considered the lessons we could all learn from those childhood classics.
1. Narcissism isn’t pretty
While it may be true, no one is as big as Gaston, his role in Beauty and the Beast proves that thinking you’re the best, doesn’t necessarily make you the best. In fact, you don’t have to look far into the fairytale world to recognise narcissism as a recurring trait amongst its villains. Just take Snow White’s Evil Queen as an example: an inflated sense of self-importance, fantasies of power, a huge sense of entitlement and most notably, a hateful envy of the story’s protagonist. All proving that for these villains, narcissism really is a nasty trait.
2. Don’t be greedy
Naturally, children admire adventurous and curious characters, so it’s no surprise that Jack and the Beanstalk is such a timeless classic.
But looking back as an adult, the story reads a little differently.
In an attempt to help his struggling family, Jack abuses the trust he has built with the Giant by stealing gold from him not once, not twice, but three times! Of course we don’t really want the Giant to grind Jack’s bones to make his bread, but in hindsight, we don’t have much sympathy for the little bugger. After all, if he’d listened to his mother in the first place he wouldn’t be in this mess. But perhaps that’s a lesson for another blog post.
3. Doing it for the girls
Generally speaking, fairytales have a bad reputation for teaching us that a woman’s role in the story is to be a helpless damsel, waiting for a prince to sweep them off their feet. It’s easy to dismiss female protagonists as the docile princesses we know from the Disney versions of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, but thankfully, not all stories fit the same stereotype.
While admittedly, the majority of these women aren’t exactly what we would call independent by today’s standards, they certainly aren’t wallflowers either. Belle, from Beauty and the Beast proves that she’s smart and she doesn’t have to hide it, Ariel of The Little Mermaid is adventurous and independent and Rapunzel, well, can you get more resourceful than using your locks as a ladder?
4. Don’t judge a book by its cover
Unless it’s in the window of a cake shop, I’d categorically avoid ginger bread houses at all costs. Although a jelly bean and chocolate button covered bungalow may sound like a dream find, Hansel and Gretel’s mistakes have taught us all that glitters is not gold.
On the other side of the coin, Quasimodo in Hunchback of Notre Dame is described as looking so different and unattractive that people mock and ridicule him; the same can be said for the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Despite unsavoury appearances, both characters show traits of kindness, understanding and intelligence, ultimately, teaching a lesson that shouldn’t go a miss for anybody: there’s more to a person than their appearance.
5. If all else fails, break and enter
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, if you and your sister Gretel are ever abandoned by your parents, or you’re just craving some porridge but it’s not on the breakfast menu at the local Holiday Inn, it’s perfectly acceptable to crack open the door to a stranger’s home. Honestly, find the comfiest bed and make yourself at home.
Ok, I’m joking. Perhaps some of these lessons are best left in the storybooks.
Revisit a childhood favourite this December, Jack and the Beanstalk the rock ‘n’ roll panto is showing at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre from Thursday 10th December until Sunday 10th January. Tickets can be purchased here.
1. Narcissism isn’t pretty
While it may be true, no one is as big as Gaston, his role in Beauty and the Beast proves that thinking you’re the best, doesn’t necessarily make you the best. In fact, you don’t have to look far into the fairytale world to recognise narcissism as a recurring trait amongst its villains. Just take Snow White’s Evil Queen as an example: an inflated sense of self-importance, fantasies of power, a huge sense of entitlement and most notably, a hateful envy of the story’s protagonist. All proving that for these villains, narcissism really is a nasty trait.2. Don’t be greedy
Naturally, children admire adventurous and curious characters, so it’s no surprise that Jack and the Beanstalk is such a timeless classic.
But looking back as an adult, the story reads a little differently.
In an attempt to help his struggling family, Jack abuses the trust he has built with the Giant by stealing gold from him not once, not twice, but three times! Of course we don’t really want the Giant to grind Jack’s bones to make his bread, but in hindsight, we don’t have much sympathy for the little bugger. After all, if he’d listened to his mother in the first place he wouldn’t be in this mess. But perhaps that’s a lesson for another blog post.
3. Doing it for the girls
Generally speaking, fairytales have a bad reputation for teaching us that a woman’s role in the story is to be a helpless damsel, waiting for a prince to sweep them off their feet. It’s easy to dismiss female protagonists as the docile princesses we know from the Disney versions of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, but thankfully, not all stories fit the same stereotype.
While admittedly, the majority of these women aren’t exactly what we would call independent by today’s standards, they certainly aren’t wallflowers either. Belle, from Beauty and the Beast proves that she’s smart and she doesn’t have to hide it, Ariel of The Little Mermaid is adventurous and independent and Rapunzel, well, can you get more resourceful than using your locks as a ladder?
4. Don’t judge a book by its cover
Unless it’s in the window of a cake shop, I’d categorically avoid ginger bread houses at all costs. Although a jelly bean and chocolate button covered bungalow may sound like a dream find, Hansel and Gretel’s mistakes have taught us all that glitters is not gold.
On the other side of the coin, Quasimodo in Hunchback of Notre Dame is described as looking so different and unattractive that people mock and ridicule him; the same can be said for the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Despite unsavoury appearances, both characters show traits of kindness, understanding and intelligence, ultimately, teaching a lesson that shouldn’t go a miss for anybody: there’s more to a person than their appearance.
5. If all else fails, break and enter
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, if you and your sister Gretel are ever abandoned by your parents, or you’re just craving some porridge but it’s not on the breakfast menu at the local Holiday Inn, it’s perfectly acceptable to crack open the door to a stranger’s home. Honestly, find the comfiest bed and make yourself at home.
Ok, I’m joking. Perhaps some of these lessons are best left in the storybooks.
Revisit a childhood favourite this December, Jack and the Beanstalk the rock ‘n’ roll panto is showing at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre from Thursday 10th December until Sunday 10th January. Tickets can be purchased here.
Monday, 16 November 2015
Where's Jack? Panto ticket competition week 1
Hello everyone! Your favourite veggie inspired fairy here! I know Christmas is a month away, but to get you into the spirit, I'd like to give you the chance to win tickets to this year's rock 'n' roll panto.
While rehearsing for this year's show, my friend Jack stole my magic leek and climbed to the top of the beanstalk to hide from me!
The Stafford Gatehouse team needs your help in finding Jack so he can return my magic leek. After all, what good is Fairy Aubergine without her magic leek? Every week, you'll have the chance to win a pair of free panto tickets if you can guess where Jack is.
This should be easy-peasy! Get it?
Jack's teasing me with this description of what he can see from the top of the beanstalk. In true Fairy Aubergine style, I'll give it to you in rhyme.
This building is located on Eastgate Street,
It's the heart of Stafford, where theatre performers meet.
The place stands tall with arches over all doors,
Here, famous comedians can take to the floor.
The much loved building is the home of the MET,
I'll be there in December, but have you worked it out yet?
Can you identify this Stafford landmark? Comment below with your name and email address to submit your answer. The winner of the first pair of tickets will be announced this Friday afternoon. Don’t miss out on your chance to see what The Daily Mirror called “quite simply the best panto you'll see in the UK”!
After the winner is announced on Friday afternoon, they will be contacted by our press and marketing officer, Emma Hogan, via email, for further details on claiming their prize.
Monday, 2 November 2015
New show and Director for Shakespeare Festival
We are thrilled to announce that the production for Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016 will be Othello.
“We are very excited to be producing one of the Bard’s darkest tragedies and this is also the first time Othello will have been produced for Stafford Festival Shakespeare” commented Producer Derrick Gask.
We are also excited to announce a new Director for the show, Clare Prenton.
Clare Prenton has over 16 years experience as a director in theatre, musical theatre and opera. Originally from Liverpool and a member of the Everyman and Playhouse youth theatres, she studied at the Universities of Leeds (BA Hons English Language and Literature) and Hull (MA in Theatre Production) before training at the Royal National Theatre Young Directors Course in 2000. Staff Directing posts followed at English Touring Opera, Opera Holland Park and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre/The New Shakespeare Company, the British Shakespeare Company’s productions of Twelfth Night starring Norman Pace and Wayne Sleep and Much Ado About Nothing starring Norman Pace, English National Opera Studio/Tete a Tete. Since 2008 Clare has been an Associate & Understudy Director for Sir Alan Ayckbourn and the Stephen Joseph Theatre Company on UK tours of Communicating Doors, Life of Riley, Life and Beth (with Liza Goddard), A Trip to Scarborough and Roundelay.
 |
| Clare Prenton |
As writer/director : Clare was an Associate of C Theatre writing for the sell-out Edinburgh
Festival Fringe Show Shakespeare For Breakfast for three years with Romeo and Juliet – The Panto! ; Macbeth - the Panto! And the spoof musical The Lost Musicals of William Shakespeare as well as children’s musical play Santa’s Summer.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Clare alongside a new creative team. We are moving Stafford Festival Shakespeare in a new direction whilst maintaining many elements of our productions we are known for; Othello will still be accessible, affordable entertainment and we cannot wait to get started” concluded Gask.
Othello will open on Thursday 23rd June and run until Saturday 9th July 2016 at Stafford Castle.
Othello is a highly respected military general, a newly-wed and an outsider. His greatest triumphs in turn create his greatest enemies. When cruel Iago seeks revenge after being bypassed for a promotion, he torments and plays with Othello’s mind. In turn, Othello discovers the real enemy is his own jealousy, paranoia and ego, as he tragically destroys his world and everything he loves.
With a brand new creative team and a tragedy never staged before at Stafford Castle, Othello promises to be Stafford Festival Shakespeare’s boldest production yet.
Tickets will be available from Thursday 5th November at 9.30am. Early Bird Tickets are available until January 31st 2016.
The early bird offer saves £5 per ticket* on peak performances (Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings) and it saves £3 per ticket* on Tuesday and Wednesday performances.
The early bird discount is not valid on Mondays, Saturday matinees and school performances and cannot be redeemed against any other offer.
After the early bird discount ends tickets will be available from £13 - £25*
*Plus a 50p per ticket booking fee
Wednesday, 21 October 2015
Comedy In The MET 24.10.15 Suggested Line Up
All of you who have managed to snap up a ticket for MET Comedy on Saturday night are in for a treat! Here’s the suggested line up:
Stuart Goldsmith
Winner: "Spirit of the Festival Award", New Zealand International Comedy Festival, 2013
Winner: Malcolm Hardee "Cunning Stunt" Award, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2012
Stuart is internationally recognised for original, striking stand-up comedy; his last three solo shows making him an "expert standup" (Sunday Times), and a "consistent fringe must-see" (Broadway Baby). TV warm-up credits include 'Miranda', 'Coming Of Age', 'Wall of Fame', 'The Stephen K Amos Show' and many more.
Tim Clark
'An unsung hero of stand-up comedy - the current master of this underrated art' The Guardian
Comedian, writer and actor Tim Clark is one of the brightest lights on the national comedy scene and a familiar face on television. His regular appearances at live venues throughout the country and especially at The Comedy Store and Jongleurs keep his wit sharp and his material fresh. His striking looks, quick wit and affable nature has made sure that Tim makes an instant impact on his many TV
and radio appearances.
Tim has written three critically acclaimed shows at the Edinburgh festival. The second of these 'Talking to Ted' subsequently appeared on BBC Radio 4 in 2006 starring Les Dennis.
He was co-writer (with Barry Cryer) on the BBC's 'Stand-up Show'. He has also written material for many well-known personalities including; Jonathon Ross, Phill Jupitus and Mark Lamarr.
The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue
“Absolutely hilarious” - VIZ
An uncle/nephew combo, not jazz and not pop but comedy. It’s intended to entertain and boy does it do just that.
Musical puns, cheeky japes and slick sandal-based choreography abound to a backing track of increasing intensity, transporting even the meekest of reluctant comedy-goers to quivering, giggling seat-wetters.
With TV interest and a radio murder mystery simmering nicely on the back burner, Raymond and his sadistic though kindly uncle Mr ‘it’s all got to do with respect my boy’ Timpkins, still find time to jet about the globe, entertaining the troops of her Majesty as they go.
“A mad, anarchic triumph of stupidity over style. Not to be missed” – The Guardian Tickets for Saturday’s show are sold-out, but you can book ahead for other MET Comedy shows here. Please note the line up is subject to change and MET Comedy is recommended for ages 16+ only.
Stuart Goldsmith
Winner: "Spirit of the Festival Award", New Zealand International Comedy Festival, 2013
Winner: Malcolm Hardee "Cunning Stunt" Award, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2012
Stuart is internationally recognised for original, striking stand-up comedy; his last three solo shows making him an "expert standup" (Sunday Times), and a "consistent fringe must-see" (Broadway Baby). TV warm-up credits include 'Miranda', 'Coming Of Age', 'Wall of Fame', 'The Stephen K Amos Show' and many more.
Tim Clark
'An unsung hero of stand-up comedy - the current master of this underrated art' The Guardian
Comedian, writer and actor Tim Clark is one of the brightest lights on the national comedy scene and a familiar face on television. His regular appearances at live venues throughout the country and especially at The Comedy Store and Jongleurs keep his wit sharp and his material fresh. His striking looks, quick wit and affable nature has made sure that Tim makes an instant impact on his many TV
and radio appearances.
Tim has written three critically acclaimed shows at the Edinburgh festival. The second of these 'Talking to Ted' subsequently appeared on BBC Radio 4 in 2006 starring Les Dennis.
He was co-writer (with Barry Cryer) on the BBC's 'Stand-up Show'. He has also written material for many well-known personalities including; Jonathon Ross, Phill Jupitus and Mark Lamarr.
The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue
“Absolutely hilarious” - VIZ
An uncle/nephew combo, not jazz and not pop but comedy. It’s intended to entertain and boy does it do just that.
Musical puns, cheeky japes and slick sandal-based choreography abound to a backing track of increasing intensity, transporting even the meekest of reluctant comedy-goers to quivering, giggling seat-wetters.
With TV interest and a radio murder mystery simmering nicely on the back burner, Raymond and his sadistic though kindly uncle Mr ‘it’s all got to do with respect my boy’ Timpkins, still find time to jet about the globe, entertaining the troops of her Majesty as they go.
“A mad, anarchic triumph of stupidity over style. Not to be missed” – The Guardian Tickets for Saturday’s show are sold-out, but you can book ahead for other MET Comedy shows here. Please note the line up is subject to change and MET Comedy is recommended for ages 16+ only.
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
Jack and the Beanstalk - Cast Announcement
Rehearsals for Jack and the Beanstalk kick off in just over a month so we thought we'd better show you the incredible cast who will be rocking your socks off!
Craig Anderson – The Giant
Craig trained as an actor, singer, and musician at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and has worked in these mediums across live theatre and national tours, circus arts, television, and session musicianship.
He has most recently been working with the folk band They You Would Crew With. His theatre credits include: Jack and the Beanstalk (Theatre Clwyd), Chaplin's Circus (UK Tour), Carnaby Street the Musical (UK No1 Tour), Beauty and the Beast (Citizens Theatre), Little Johnny's Big Gay Wedding (National Theatre Scotland), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bard in the Botanics), Hot Mikado (Landor Theatre). His TV credits include: Tonight's The Night with John Barrowman (BBC Television) and Hedz (BBC Television).
Isobel Bates – Fairy Aubergine
Isobel trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, gaining an MA in Musical Theatre Performance, and made her professional theatre debut as Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Christmas 2014/2015. Other credits: Trumpeter in Kiss Me Quick (Nathan Sykes / Global) and Lead Soloist in the Magic of Broadway (DeHavilland Philharmonic).
Isobel is an experienced singer, actor musician, musical director, arranger, composer and accompanist.
Gregory Clarke – Fleshcreep
Panto fans may recognise Gregory from his previous performances as Primp in Beauty and the Beast, Mordred in Sleeping Beauty and Verruca in Cinderella last year. Gregory is happy to say he feels like “one of the family” at the Gatehouse.
He trained at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
West End: Louis/Conman in the original cast of Andrew Lloyd Webbers' The Woman in White (Palace Theatre), directed by Trevor Nunn, Guy Gisbourne in Hoods (Arts Theatre), directed by Craig Revel-Horwood.
Theatre includes: Al in Carnaby Street the Musical (UK No.1 Tour), White Bishop/1st cover Molokov in Chess (UK No.1 tour/Italy/Princess of Wales Theater, Toronto), Raymond Neff in The Witches of Eastwick (UK No.1 tour), Narrator in The Barchester Chronicles (Chichester Festival Theatre), 6 Rock'n'Roll pantos by Peter Rowe (New Wolsey, Ipswich and Stafford Gatehouse), Twelfth Night, Robin Hood (Nuffield, Southampton)
Most recently Gregory appeared in the World premiere production of Bob Eatons' Roll Over Beethoven (Queens Theatre Hornchurch)
As a guitarist, Gregory plays regularly with many different act s- including his acoustic duo show with Matthew Quinn- and has also worked with The Runaround Kids, The Experience, Songbird-The Music of Eva Cassidy, Hold Tight It's 60's Night, The Elvis Years, The Bluejays, Hot Stuff the musical (at Queens Theatre Hornchurch) and Many more.
Josh Haberfield – Axeman
Josh trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Theatre credits include; The Picture House (Playpen Productions). The Curse of Elizabeth Faulkner (Charing Cross Theatre), The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 (Ovation Theatres Ltd) The Hound of the Baskervilles (Jellicoe Theatre Productions)
TJ Holmes – Dame Dolly Dumplings
This will be TJ’s third rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre after appearing in Dick Whittington (2011) and Beauty and the Beast (2012) TJ trained at Central School of Speech and Drama. His theatre credits include: The BFG and I Was A Rat (Birmingham Rep), What To Do When You Find A Dinosaur (Oxford Playhouse), The Threepenny Opera (Graeae), Cinderella (Unicorn Theatre), Hansel and Gretel (Kneehigh), Spend Spend Spend! and Some Like It Hotter (Watermill), As You Like It (Curve Theatre), and Cider with Rosie and Merchant of Venice (Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds). On screen he has appeared in Doc Martin (ITV), A Rogue & A Patriot (Channel 5), and Harry Hill’s Christmas Burp (Channel 4). TJ has also worked as a writer and composer, most recently for a Christmas show in Penzance, the town where he grew up.
Joshua Meredith – Squire Snuffbox
Joshua trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
His credits include: Austen -the Musical (East Riding Theatre), Services No Longer Required (BBC Philharmonic & Imperial War Museum North), Loot (Hull Truck Theatre), Funny Turns (Hull Truck Theatre), The Sam Wanamaker Festival (Globe Theatre), Monologue Slam UK – Winner (Joshua Brooks), Departure Lounge (InStep Theatre). Joshua also appeared in The Inbetweeners Movie (Young Bwark Productions).
Josh is “delighted” to be returning to the Gatehouse Theatre after making his panto debut as Hernia in Cinderella last year.
Katie Pritchard – Gemima
Katie attained a First Class BA (Hons) degree at Buckinghamshire New University. Her theatre Credits include: Dandini in Cinderella (Key Theatre, Peterborough), Principal Performer on Showtime! (SpaTheatre, Bridlington), Carnaby Street (UK Tour), Swing on Dreamboats and Petticoats (The Playhouse, London); Swing on Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK Tour); Servants Chorus in My Fair Lady (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Featured Ensemble / Musician Call Me Madam (Upstairs at The Gatehouse), Molly's Brother / Musician in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (The Landor), Joanne's Mum /Musician in Rent (Broadway Theatre).
Other Credits include: Various Characters in 'TNUC', Written, Directed and Produced by Katie Pritchard for Everycloud Productions (Parody advert, winner of the Idea's Tap Short Parody Award 2014), Katie in 'Even The Little Ones', Written, Directed and Performed by Katie Pritchard (Solo Musical Comedy Show, Canal Cafe Theatre, 2015), All Characters in 'Literally Comedy', Created by Katie Pritchard for Jemm Three (Radio Sketch Show and Podcast).
Katie is also a Guitarist and Vocalist in all-girl Rock'n'Roll band, The Daisy Chains, Winner of the London Vintage Awards 2014.
Ned Rudkins-Stow – Jack
Ned graduated from Rose Bruford in 2015. His theatre credits whilst training include: Man 1 in Songs For A New World, Morton Gross in The Water Engine and Orgilus in The Broken Heart. Ned is a graduate of the Actor Musicianship programme and his musical skills include: double bass, guitar, drums and piano. Ned's musical influences have predominantly been blues and jazz throughout his childhood, which fueled his passion for the guitar. He is “delighted” to be a member of the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk and is “looking forward” to appearing in his first pantomime.
Laura Sillett – Jill
Laura trained at The Guildford School of Acting.
Her theatre credits include: Muriel u/s Sue & Donna in Dreamboats & Miniskirts (UK tour), Snow Queen in The Snow Queen (UAE tour), Donna in Dreamboats & Petticoats (UK tour), Briar Rose in Sleeping Beauty (Emporium Theatre, Brighton), Soloist/Ensemble in Marvin Hamlisch Concert (St James Theatre) and Ensemble in There’ll Always Be An England (Brick Lane Music Hall).
Robert Wade – Billy
Robert studied at the Rose Bruford College, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Acting Musicianship. An accomplished musician, Robert’s main instrument is the Clarinet. Since graduating, Robert has played Jemmy in The Carlton Colliers (Badapple Theatre Company) and Little John in a Summer Tour of Robin Hood (Cambridge Touring Theatre). Robert is “delighted” to be making his Panto debut playing Billy in Jack and the Beanstalk for Stafford Gatehouse.
 |
| Craig Anderson |
Craig trained as an actor, singer, and musician at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and has worked in these mediums across live theatre and national tours, circus arts, television, and session musicianship.
He has most recently been working with the folk band They You Would Crew With. His theatre credits include: Jack and the Beanstalk (Theatre Clwyd), Chaplin's Circus (UK Tour), Carnaby Street the Musical (UK No1 Tour), Beauty and the Beast (Citizens Theatre), Little Johnny's Big Gay Wedding (National Theatre Scotland), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bard in the Botanics), Hot Mikado (Landor Theatre). His TV credits include: Tonight's The Night with John Barrowman (BBC Television) and Hedz (BBC Television).
 |
| Isobel Bates |
Isobel Bates – Fairy Aubergine
Isobel trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, gaining an MA in Musical Theatre Performance, and made her professional theatre debut as Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Christmas 2014/2015. Other credits: Trumpeter in Kiss Me Quick (Nathan Sykes / Global) and Lead Soloist in the Magic of Broadway (DeHavilland Philharmonic).
Isobel is an experienced singer, actor musician, musical director, arranger, composer and accompanist.
Gregory Clarke – Fleshcreep
 |
| Gregory Clarke |
Panto fans may recognise Gregory from his previous performances as Primp in Beauty and the Beast, Mordred in Sleeping Beauty and Verruca in Cinderella last year. Gregory is happy to say he feels like “one of the family” at the Gatehouse.
He trained at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
West End: Louis/Conman in the original cast of Andrew Lloyd Webbers' The Woman in White (Palace Theatre), directed by Trevor Nunn, Guy Gisbourne in Hoods (Arts Theatre), directed by Craig Revel-Horwood.
Theatre includes: Al in Carnaby Street the Musical (UK No.1 Tour), White Bishop/1st cover Molokov in Chess (UK No.1 tour/Italy/Princess of Wales Theater, Toronto), Raymond Neff in The Witches of Eastwick (UK No.1 tour), Narrator in The Barchester Chronicles (Chichester Festival Theatre), 6 Rock'n'Roll pantos by Peter Rowe (New Wolsey, Ipswich and Stafford Gatehouse), Twelfth Night, Robin Hood (Nuffield, Southampton)
Most recently Gregory appeared in the World premiere production of Bob Eatons' Roll Over Beethoven (Queens Theatre Hornchurch)
As a guitarist, Gregory plays regularly with many different act s- including his acoustic duo show with Matthew Quinn- and has also worked with The Runaround Kids, The Experience, Songbird-The Music of Eva Cassidy, Hold Tight It's 60's Night, The Elvis Years, The Bluejays, Hot Stuff the musical (at Queens Theatre Hornchurch) and Many more.
 |
| Josh Haberfield |
Josh Haberfield – Axeman
Josh trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Theatre credits include; The Picture House (Playpen Productions). The Curse of Elizabeth Faulkner (Charing Cross Theatre), The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 (Ovation Theatres Ltd) The Hound of the Baskervilles (Jellicoe Theatre Productions)
TJ Holmes – Dame Dolly Dumplings
 |
| TJ Holmes |
This will be TJ’s third rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre after appearing in Dick Whittington (2011) and Beauty and the Beast (2012) TJ trained at Central School of Speech and Drama. His theatre credits include: The BFG and I Was A Rat (Birmingham Rep), What To Do When You Find A Dinosaur (Oxford Playhouse), The Threepenny Opera (Graeae), Cinderella (Unicorn Theatre), Hansel and Gretel (Kneehigh), Spend Spend Spend! and Some Like It Hotter (Watermill), As You Like It (Curve Theatre), and Cider with Rosie and Merchant of Venice (Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds). On screen he has appeared in Doc Martin (ITV), A Rogue & A Patriot (Channel 5), and Harry Hill’s Christmas Burp (Channel 4). TJ has also worked as a writer and composer, most recently for a Christmas show in Penzance, the town where he grew up.
Joshua Meredith – Squire Snuffbox
 |
| Joshua Meredith |
Joshua trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
His credits include: Austen -the Musical (East Riding Theatre), Services No Longer Required (BBC Philharmonic & Imperial War Museum North), Loot (Hull Truck Theatre), Funny Turns (Hull Truck Theatre), The Sam Wanamaker Festival (Globe Theatre), Monologue Slam UK – Winner (Joshua Brooks), Departure Lounge (InStep Theatre). Joshua also appeared in The Inbetweeners Movie (Young Bwark Productions).
Josh is “delighted” to be returning to the Gatehouse Theatre after making his panto debut as Hernia in Cinderella last year.
 |
| Katie Pritchard |
Katie Pritchard – Gemima
Katie attained a First Class BA (Hons) degree at Buckinghamshire New University. Her theatre Credits include: Dandini in Cinderella (Key Theatre, Peterborough), Principal Performer on Showtime! (SpaTheatre, Bridlington), Carnaby Street (UK Tour), Swing on Dreamboats and Petticoats (The Playhouse, London); Swing on Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK Tour); Servants Chorus in My Fair Lady (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Featured Ensemble / Musician Call Me Madam (Upstairs at The Gatehouse), Molly's Brother / Musician in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (The Landor), Joanne's Mum /Musician in Rent (Broadway Theatre).
Other Credits include: Various Characters in 'TNUC', Written, Directed and Produced by Katie Pritchard for Everycloud Productions (Parody advert, winner of the Idea's Tap Short Parody Award 2014), Katie in 'Even The Little Ones', Written, Directed and Performed by Katie Pritchard (Solo Musical Comedy Show, Canal Cafe Theatre, 2015), All Characters in 'Literally Comedy', Created by Katie Pritchard for Jemm Three (Radio Sketch Show and Podcast).
Katie is also a Guitarist and Vocalist in all-girl Rock'n'Roll band, The Daisy Chains, Winner of the London Vintage Awards 2014.
 |
| Ned Rudkins-Stow |
Ned graduated from Rose Bruford in 2015. His theatre credits whilst training include: Man 1 in Songs For A New World, Morton Gross in The Water Engine and Orgilus in The Broken Heart. Ned is a graduate of the Actor Musicianship programme and his musical skills include: double bass, guitar, drums and piano. Ned's musical influences have predominantly been blues and jazz throughout his childhood, which fueled his passion for the guitar. He is “delighted” to be a member of the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk and is “looking forward” to appearing in his first pantomime.
 |
| Laura Sillett |
Laura trained at The Guildford School of Acting.
Her theatre credits include: Muriel u/s Sue & Donna in Dreamboats & Miniskirts (UK tour), Snow Queen in The Snow Queen (UAE tour), Donna in Dreamboats & Petticoats (UK tour), Briar Rose in Sleeping Beauty (Emporium Theatre, Brighton), Soloist/Ensemble in Marvin Hamlisch Concert (St James Theatre) and Ensemble in There’ll Always Be An England (Brick Lane Music Hall).
 |
| Robert Wade |
Robert Wade – Billy
Robert studied at the Rose Bruford College, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Acting Musicianship. An accomplished musician, Robert’s main instrument is the Clarinet. Since graduating, Robert has played Jemmy in The Carlton Colliers (Badapple Theatre Company) and Little John in a Summer Tour of Robin Hood (Cambridge Touring Theatre). Robert is “delighted” to be making his Panto debut playing Billy in Jack and the Beanstalk for Stafford Gatehouse.
Jack and the Beanstalk opens on Thursday 10th December 2015 until Sunday 11th January 2016. You can book your tickets by calling us on 01785 619080 or by clicking here
Thursday, 8 October 2015
Get ready for a cabaret and burlesque extravaganza!
Nothing gets us more excited than our cabaret and burlesque night Très Très Cabaret and it is back with a bang in just over two weeks!
The first performer to be announced for our October 23rd show is the amazing Elliot Mason! Absurdly astute, Elliot performs self-penned hilarious songs that have a uniquely bonkers take of life's humdrum nature. Utterly charming, often bewildering and endlessly amusing, he is a skilled musician and talented comic with inimitable wit and awesome hair.
Next to be added to the stellar line up was Sophia St.Villier - the flame haired burlesque artist with the looks of a Golden Age Hollywood Star and the body of a pinup goddess!
Originally from New Zealand, Sophia moved to London after falling in love with the London Cabaret scene. Her vintage acts and exquisite, bespoke costumes means that she now regularly headlines at burlesque shows throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Sophia has performed for the likes of Will.i.am and Professor Green, for Sky Atlantic at the Boardwalk Empire launch, at Greg Yaitanes' wedding in France (director of House and Lost director) Don’t miss your chance to watch this spell-bindingly elegant glamazon in action, and see for yourself why she is known as the real life Jessica Rabbit!
The brilliant Rod Laver and Alexandra Hofgartner will be returning to the MET after stunning audiences at the launch of Très Très Cabaret in 2013. Described by Venue Magazine as “one of Europe’s funniest and most innovative jugglers”, Rod Laver’s act has to be seen to be believed! With his astonishing, hilarious and totally unique oral ping pong juggling act, he is very much in demand; achieving world records, awards, medals and standing ovations for appearances on TV, cabaret and circus worldwide. The incredibly talented Alexandra Hofgartner trained at a prestigious contemporary circus school, specialising in aerial hoop and physical theatre. With flawless feminine éclat, she creates sophisticated and beautiful performances which evoke the excitement of new beginnings, the exhilaration of change and the magic of metamorphosis.
But that’s not all folks...Rod and Alex have created a double act which is incredibly funny, inexplicably sexy, and absolutely unforgettable. An utterly unique combination of the glamorous burlesque elegance of Alexandra Hofgartner and gentlemanly finesse of Rod Laver; this show-stopping performance harks back to the magical world of 1930's Berlin. You’ll soon discover why this phenomenal act is much in demand at cabaret and burlesque events throughout Europe.
This incredible event is produced by its resident host and singer, the hilarious Stage Door Johnny. A flirtatious, lyrical lothario and seasoned comic raconteur with razor-sharp wit, he'll have you grinning, giggling and eating from the palm of his hand - sometimes literally. He can be heard singing everything from Shirley Bassey to Guns ‘n’ Roses as well as ridiculous self-penned medleys to surprise and delight you!
Tickets for Très Très Cabaret are £15 and can be booked by calling us on 01785 619080 or by clicking here. The show is strictly for over 18s only. If you're still not sure if Très Très Cabaret is for you check out the gorgeous photos below...
The first performer to be announced for our October 23rd show is the amazing Elliot Mason! Absurdly astute, Elliot performs self-penned hilarious songs that have a uniquely bonkers take of life's humdrum nature. Utterly charming, often bewildering and endlessly amusing, he is a skilled musician and talented comic with inimitable wit and awesome hair.
Next to be added to the stellar line up was Sophia St.Villier - the flame haired burlesque artist with the looks of a Golden Age Hollywood Star and the body of a pinup goddess!
Originally from New Zealand, Sophia moved to London after falling in love with the London Cabaret scene. Her vintage acts and exquisite, bespoke costumes means that she now regularly headlines at burlesque shows throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Sophia has performed for the likes of Will.i.am and Professor Green, for Sky Atlantic at the Boardwalk Empire launch, at Greg Yaitanes' wedding in France (director of House and Lost director) Don’t miss your chance to watch this spell-bindingly elegant glamazon in action, and see for yourself why she is known as the real life Jessica Rabbit!
The brilliant Rod Laver and Alexandra Hofgartner will be returning to the MET after stunning audiences at the launch of Très Très Cabaret in 2013. Described by Venue Magazine as “one of Europe’s funniest and most innovative jugglers”, Rod Laver’s act has to be seen to be believed! With his astonishing, hilarious and totally unique oral ping pong juggling act, he is very much in demand; achieving world records, awards, medals and standing ovations for appearances on TV, cabaret and circus worldwide. The incredibly talented Alexandra Hofgartner trained at a prestigious contemporary circus school, specialising in aerial hoop and physical theatre. With flawless feminine éclat, she creates sophisticated and beautiful performances which evoke the excitement of new beginnings, the exhilaration of change and the magic of metamorphosis.
But that’s not all folks...Rod and Alex have created a double act which is incredibly funny, inexplicably sexy, and absolutely unforgettable. An utterly unique combination of the glamorous burlesque elegance of Alexandra Hofgartner and gentlemanly finesse of Rod Laver; this show-stopping performance harks back to the magical world of 1930's Berlin. You’ll soon discover why this phenomenal act is much in demand at cabaret and burlesque events throughout Europe.
This incredible event is produced by its resident host and singer, the hilarious Stage Door Johnny. A flirtatious, lyrical lothario and seasoned comic raconteur with razor-sharp wit, he'll have you grinning, giggling and eating from the palm of his hand - sometimes literally. He can be heard singing everything from Shirley Bassey to Guns ‘n’ Roses as well as ridiculous self-penned medleys to surprise and delight you!
Tickets for Très Très Cabaret are £15 and can be booked by calling us on 01785 619080 or by clicking here. The show is strictly for over 18s only. If you're still not sure if Très Très Cabaret is for you check out the gorgeous photos below...
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| Elliot Mason |
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| Sophia St. Villier by Life Is Yours Photography |
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| Sophia St. Villier by Life Is Yours Photography |
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| Rod Laver and Alexandra Hofgartner by Andrew Nash |
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| Rod Laver and Alexandra Hofgartner by Andrew Nash |
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| Stage Door Johnny by Cherry Bomb Rock Photography |
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| Stage Door Johnny by Cherry Bomb Rock Photography |
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