Hackney Empire announces casting for Jack and the Beanstalk

Hackney Empire has announced the full cast for this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

Award-winning performer Clive Rowe returns to direct and star as Dame Trot, alongside Kat B as Simple Simon Trot. The cast also includes Louise Cielecki as Fairy Firethorn, Christopher Staines as Stephen Fleshcreep, Marina Lawrence-Mahrra as Jack Trot, Summer Priest as Jill, and Andre Antonio as Harp and Timothy Trot. The ensemble features Ellie Greenway, Alanna Panditaratne, Charlize Indigo, Charlie Scales, Toby Seddon, Lara Wollington and Sam Jamison. The production marks a professional debut for Indigo.

Rowe has appeared in Hackney Empire pantomimes for more than 25 years, playing a number of Dame roles. He was nominated for Best Director at the UK Pantomime Awards for last year’s Cinderella. Kat B returns for their 21st Hackney Empire pantomime.

The creative team comprises writer Will Brenton, original music and songs by Steven Edis, set and costume design by Cleo Pettitt, musical director, arranger, orchestrator and supervisor Wendy Gadian, choreographer Mike Ward, lighting designer Tim Mitchell, sound designer Richard Bell, associate lighting designer Jake Lawrence, costume supervisor Sades Robinson-Craft, assistant director Clare Packham, casting associate Rosamunde Hutt, producer Emily Obasohan and production manager Tom Kingdon for Production Solutions Group.

The production runs at Hackney Empire from 21 November to 31 December, with a press performance on 3 December.

The pantomime forms part of Hackney Empire’s 125th anniversary celebrations.