Four stars of the festive, family pantomime made a visit to Darlington Hippodrome for the official press launch of Jack and the Beanstalk which runs from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 5 January.
Photo by Scott Akoz
Shirely Ballas from Strictly Come Dancing and George Sampson from Britain’s Got Talent joined stand-up comedian Phil Walker and comedy writer/actor Daniel Taylor, at the Hippodrome recently. Along with Daisy the Cow
Producer Jake Hine, from Qdos Entertainment said: “I am looking forward to bringing the pantomime to Darlington. I’m a local lad and this theatre and pantomime mean a great deal to me. We’ve got a wonderful cast and I’m looking forward to pushing on with bringing the tradition of panto to the families and children that will be our future audiences” Adding “We have an excellent cast, with talent from two prime time TV programmes – Strictly Come Dancing and Britain’s Got Talent, so combining the dance skills with Phil’s comedy and Daniel’s acting. This could be the best panto we’ve had at Darlington Hippodrome for a long time.”
Photo by Scott Akoz
Comedian Phil Walker, a veteran of many panto’s generally plays good guys but would love to play a baddie some time. BGT star George Sampson agrees that he’s always cast as the good boy of the show. Whilst actor Daniel Taylor reveals that loves playing the villain as he can have much more fun insulting the audience for 2 hours. Although both Walker and Taylor agree they have fun, in different ways, interacting with the audiences and breaking the forth wall
Photo by Scott Akoz
Never having visited Darlington before, Walker is looking forward to bringing his bike with him and getting out and about over panto season. Sampson plans to bring his Play Station with him, enjoy some snooker and meet up with friends to enjoy the nightlife of Darlington and the surrounding areas. Taylor is looking forward to showing partner, Shirley Ballas, around the North East and introducing her to local delicacy the Parmo. Taylor, has appeared in the musical Blood Brothers which has visited the Hippodrome on many occasions so he knows the area well.
Photo by Scott Akoz
With Shirley and George both having a strong dance background, Sampson hopes there will be plenty of dancing in the show. Walker, who has written and starred in many pantomimes says it will be magical for the whole family. Taylor reveals there will be lots of laughs, disguises and that he is a great mimic, but without giving anything away. But we are promised plenty of fun and laughter and a traditional pantomime full of surprises from all the cast.
Tickets are still on sale so for more information visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk/ or telephone the Box Office on 01325-405405.
With special thanks to Scott Akoz for the photos
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