One-man Jack and the Beanstalk from a quality theatre company

Directed and designed by Marcello Chiarenza, it features company founder and artistic director, Cbeebies presenter Patrick Lynch and runs from December 23 to 31.

Lyngo Theatre was formed in 2003 and since then has played to more than 100,000 people, with more than 200 performances a year.

The company has performed in venues across the UK, including the Unicorn and the Lyric Hammersmith in London, the Lowry in Manchester, mac in Birmingham and the Citizens and MacRoberts Arts Centre in Scotland, in addition to the company’s appearances across the world. They’ve had some great reviews for their past shows.

Patrick is delighted with the way the company has maintained its success over the years.

“Really, it started because I was over studying commedia dell’arte in Venice. I was looking around and I saw a lot of great work being done in Italy and also Europe. I thought ‘There is work here that hasn’t been done in the UK.’ I thought to myself ‘Here’s an idea!’ I just thought ‘Let’s bring some new stuff over’, and so since 2003 we have generally made a new show every year. We kind of specialise in interactive shows.”

They also produce work for zero to three.

“You have got to make sure that each different age group can access every moment of the show and there is something for everyone which there certainly is with Snow Play (which they have just completed in Horsham) and with Jack and the Beanstalk.

“We have continued to do well. We have got a good reputation for quality, and I think that’s why we have kept going. We do small-scale but very well-crafted shows which give you value for money. We have also changed with the times. In the past we have been concentrating on the more classic titles. Shows like Snow Play don’t have a known title, so they can be more of a risk, but we are still here. Next year we are returning to America, to New York, and we are also doing a show in Singapore. It is going well.”

Patrick has presented programmes on CBeebies and is well known for programmes including Razzle Dazzle and Let’s Celebrate! The company is formed of Patrick, artistic director and principal actor, Marcello Chiarenza, director and designer, and Cialdo Capelli, composer. More details on www.lyngo.co.uk.