YEOVIL's Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue is preparing for its annual spectacular pantomime...and this year it will "climb to new heights" with Jack and the Beanstalk.

The pantomime will run for 38 fun-filled performances from Friday, December 13, 2024, until Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Jack and the Beanstalk will be performed at Westlands Entertainment Venue due to the ongoing closure of The Octagon Theatre for planned redevelopment.

The pantomime dates back to the earliest days of The Octagon Theatre, which opened as The Johnson Hall in 1974, but this production will be the first time that the venue has produced the pantomime itself "in-house".

A stellar cast of performers has been assembled, including West End leading lady Lizzie Bea (Sister Act, Heathers The Musical and Hairspray) as Princess Jill, Alana Robinson (Six The Musical) as Fairy Motown, and Daniel Page (Billy Elliot and popular Exeter Dame) as Dame Trott. Popular panto comedian and actor Kevin James will be playing Billy Trott, Georgie Macaskill will be playing the giant’s wicked “henchwoman” Desdemona and Mark Lamb, who returns having played Prince Charming in Cinderella last year, takes the title role of Jack.

The cast will be supported by an ensemble of dancers, including Yeovil-born James Bamford who is also choreographing the production. Popular Yeovil panto favourite Lizzie Frances will direct the production.

Yeovil Town Council Director of Culture, Events and Promotions, Adam Burgan, said: "We are so fortunate that while The Octagon Theatre is closed for redevelopment, we continue to bring you all the magic, fun and laughter audiences have come to expect each festive season.

"We all miss The Octagon and cannot wait to be back in our theatre, and I’m delighted things continue to move forward with a development that will secure the theatre for generations to come.

"We are incredibly proud that this year we have brought our pantomime 'in house' and produced it ourselves. We have been able to prioritise local and regional talent creating work and opportunities to show our skills in crafting this show. We are pulling out all the stops to ensure it is the most magical, spectacular and brilliant pantomime Somerset has ever seen!"

Tickets can be purchased via the box office (01935) 422884 or by visiting the website westlandsyeovil.co.uk.