Jack and the Beanstalk will be Guildford's panto 2022

Spokeswoman Summer Jeavons said: “Another festive family pantomime is sprouting from the Yvonne Arnaud’s stage! Jack makes a moo-ving sacrifice and bids farewell to his beloved cow in return for a magical bean-tacular investment, which has giant consequences! Can he make an egg-cellent escape back down the beanstalk or has he really cooked his goose?

“Joining Peter Gordon, Kit Hesketh Harvey and James Merry are a group of talented actors. Adding a bit of extra sparkle and a blooming good performance as this year's Fairy Foxglove is Devon-Elise Johnson.

“You may remember Ernest Stroud from last year's panto when he was a part of the award-winning Dick Whittington ensemble, but now he's stepping into the giant footsteps of the leading role, Jack. Completing the principal cast as Jill is leading lady Maya Elliott, who played Alice Fitzwarren in last year's pantomime. And last, but by no means least, the ensemble from Guildford School of Acting, Laine Theatre Arts and Performance Preparation Academy are Cerys Bright, Natasha Cayabyab, Yasmin Devlin-Dean, Kenyon Garrish, Liam Kelly, Holly Sexton, Lindo Shinda and Jake Tuesley.”

Peter Gordon will take the role of the Dame, Mary from the Dairy, in what will be his 16th Yvonne Arnaud panto appearance.

Peter said: “It's a real privilege to be coming back fo r what will be my 16th panto at the Ar naud! Pantomime is always a real joy, and at the Arnaud, our very special theatre, it's just magic. I'm looking forward to getting the make- up on and getting back into those outfits! Jack and the Beanstalk will be another triumph for Guildford, Surrey and beyond!”

After joining the cast of Dick Whittington last year, Guildford resident and former student at Guildford School of Acting James Merry will return as Simon. James is best known for his role as Simon Brooklyn Bell in CBeebies’ Waffle The Wonder Dog. James said: “I’m delighted to be returning for my second year of Panto at the YA. I must’ve done something right to be asked back, although after 1,500-plus custard pies to the face I do think it’s the least they could do! This year's tale of Jack and The Beanstalk looks set to be a rollicking ride of laughs and I can’t wait to get back on stage with PG, Kit and the gang. Last year's audiences were so kind and generous, especially with the backdrop of Covid. I’m sure this year we will see more of those magic full houses. Can’t wait to see you all!”

Jack and the Beanstalk will be the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s third pantomime directed by the theatre’s chief executive and director Joanna Read.

Tickets for panto are available from www.Yvonne-Arnaud.co.uk.