Talented Youngsters Take To The Stage As Panto Heads To Parr Hall

Budding performers from across the area will be putting their best foot forward this week in celebration of a giant of a pantomime.

Felicia Burns' School of Dance will be stealing the limelight once again as Jack and the Beanstalk heads to Warrington's Parr Hall today (Friday 5 January).

Over the past 20 years, the school has played a key role in the annual show, and this year is no exception as 20 talented youngsters prepare to take to the stage.

With dancers as young as 10 taking part, Tony Peers' annual production offers aspiring performers a rare opportunity to showcase their talents, and school principal Felicia Burns is as delighted as ever to be involved.

She said: "We're very, very proud and pleased to be involved in it. It's a privilege to be asked.

"Just the fact that the kids are working with a professional company means they learn so much from that. Also, it's great to see the sheer enjoyment they get from it - they absolutely love it."

Phil Beck, writer and director of this year's production, is thrilled to have the Felicia Burns School of Dance on board.

He said: "It brings a local angle to the show and it's always nice to have that local connection.

"When you have a dance school like Felicia Burns School of Dance that is as good as it is and has been running as long as it has been, it's a real pleasure to have them involved - plus it gives the dancers a great experience. We're proud to have them involved."

This year's pantomime tells the tall tale of Jack, who gets into trouble with his mother for selling The Family cow for a handful of beans. However, Jack's dreams come true when it grows into an enormous beanstalk, which he climbs to discover a new land above the clouds. Thanks to his daring nature, Jack outwits terrifying giants to make his fortune and live happily ever after.

Coming straight from a successful stint in Scarborough, this year's fun-filled production is jam-packed with traditional pantomime jokes, beautiful dancing and a bucket load of songs.

Phil said: "There's a little bit of something for everyone - for all ages. It's got modern songs, old classics, tongue in cheek humour, slapstick humour, custard pies, water fights, and just general mess."

Charlotte Buxton, who has the plum part of Fairy Sweet Pea, added: "When we see the kids in the audience, they love it. They're screaming at the baddy, they're joining in. They really get into it, and they really believe it."

Coming to Warrington's Parr Hall from Friday 5 January to Sunday 14 January, Jack and the Beanstalk is guaranteed to take you on the adventure of a lifetime, all in one whirlwind performance of laughter, magic and make-believe.

Felicia said: "The panto at Parr Hall is always a great family event. It's a good laugh - it's magical. You've got a goody, a baddy; you've got a great story. A trip to the panto is definitely a must at this time of year. It's something to look forward to and a real family event; from young children all the way through to grandparents."

Tickets are still on sale at www.pyramidparrhall.com or by calling Box Office on 01925 442345.

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