FIELD FA I R HALLS
www.fairfield.co.uk
Simon Thomsett Chief Executive, Fairfield Halls Welcome you to this year’s fantastic fun packed Croydon pantomime in our very special 50th anniversary year. We also welcome back Evolution Productions, one of the very best producers of pantomime in the UK. Last year they brought us a wonderful Aladdin that people are still talking about: “... best panto ever”, a lot of them said... and this year Evolution promise us “an even better” Jack and the Beanstalk... so hold on to your seats, its going to be a great adventure. We hope you enjoy this spectacular, noisy, fun-packed show in our great, historic Ashcroft Theatre. If this is your first time we hope you enjoy the wonder of live theatre and we hope you come back many more times, there’s plenty to see. Have a marvellous time watching Jack’s adventures... and remember to make sure you make plenty of noise. Seasons Greetings to you all,
P.S. Take a look at some of our pantos from the last 50 years at our special anniversary website, www.fairfieldat50.com
A word from Paul Hendy and Emily Wood Producers of Jack and the Beanstalk We are absolutely thrilled to be producing this spectacular production of Jack and the Beanstalk here at the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon. This year, we have assembled an incredible cast headed by the wonderfully popular Laila Morse and Sid Sloane. It is also a great pleasure to welcome Neil Fingleton, the tallest man in Europe! We would like to say a massive thank you to all the people who help make this production possible. In particular, thank you to Helga Wood, Dorcas Wood, Ali Grant and the incredible team of hard working professionals at our workshops who make the lavish sets, props and costumes that you see. We would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Simon Thomsett, John Spring, Ninon Jerome and the brilliant team at the Ashcroft, it really is a great pleasure to work with them. Our aim is to make this production of Jack and the Beanstalk the best you’ve ever seen and we sincerely hope you enjoy the show as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it. Next year, we are going to be producing the most popular pantomime of them all, Peter Pan. Tickets are on sale now so book early to avoid disappointment! Paul and Emily
BoxOffice 020 8688 9291 Online www.fairfield.co.uk
Laila Morse was born in London. Her first feature film was Nil By Mouth in which she played the part of ‘Janet’, a performance for which she won the ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ award at the ‘British Independent Film Awards’ in London. Laila is best known as ‘Mo Slater’ in EastEnders but other television credits include Great Expectations, for the BBC, Love Honour & Obey for BBC/Fugitive Features and Big Fat Gypsy Gangster for Black & Blue Films.
Sid is an actor, tv & radio presenter and voiceover artist. He is popularly known as the energetic host of CBeebies appearing every day in the UK and across Africa. Sid also stars in a recently released new programme for children called 'Let's Play'. As a voice artist Sid's silky smooth tones can be heard on BBC Radio 4, BBC Schools radio, voice trails and on CBeebies radio to name but a few. Stage appearances include a world stage premier of Withnail and I, works by Shakespeare, the No.1 U.K tour of The Twits, Pinter's The Dumb Waiter, John Donnelly's Bone, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and of course Pantomime. This Christmas Sid plays Jack in the CBeebies television pantomime special of Jack & The Beanstalk, marking the last ever CBBC show to air on terrestrial tv. He also appears in a Christmas Celebrity Mastermind special with his specialist subject being Liverpool Football Club - the Paisley years. Catch Sid on his live theatre tour performing throughout the UK in 2013. For details and to book tickets check out www.sidsloane.org or facebook.com/sidsloane and follow @sidsloane on Twitter.
Neil Fingleton is the tallest actor in the world and is also the tallest man in the United Kingdom. Neil began acting when he was seventeen when he moved to the United States on a basketball scholarship. Neil retired from basketball at the age of twenty seven and has been involved in Show Business ever since. He has worked on commercials for companies like Miller Lite Beer, Ask.com, 118 118 and Smart Car. Neil has starred in Panto for the last three years for Pele Productions. In 2009/2010 he played ‘The Giant’ in Jack and the Beanstalk and in 2010/2011 played ‘The Genie’ in Aladdin. Last year Neil played Little John in Robin Hood for Qdos. He has also just completed his second movie. Neil got his first credit in the film industry from X-Men: First Class where he played a ‘Russian Henchman’ and just recently finished filming his second film called 47 Ronin with Keanu Reeves where Neil’s character is called the ‘LoveCraftian’ Samurai. In his spare time he enjoys helping youngsters improving their drama skills at a local school. Neil resides in Durham.
Quinn began his career after leaving college by forming his own theatre company called ‘Body 2 Body’. After touring schools and colleges for three years he very proudly won a scholarship to Mountview Theatre School and graduated with a BA Hons degree. He then went on to play ‘Toad’ in Wind in the Willows, ‘Dr Chapman’ in Cash On Delivery, ‘John Sterling’ in Ghost Train, ‘Norman’ in John Godber’s Lucky Sods, ‘Mr Mushnik’ in Little Shop of Horrors, ‘George’ in I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, ‘Det Sgt Davenport’ in Funny Money, ‘Chris Coldwell’ in Fatal Encounter, ‘Judd’ in Bouncers and ‘Teddy’ in Arsenic and Old Lace, all on national tour. Children’s theatre includes ‘Lion’ in The Wizard of Oz, ‘Baloo’ in The Jungle Book, ‘King Bumble’ in Sleeping Beauty and ‘Professor Flompido’ in Beauty and the Beast. He recently directed two shows for Polka Dot Theatre, Fantastic Mr Fox and Wind in the Willows. Quinn has also appeared on television as ‘PC Pembury’ in ITV’s Without Motive, ‘Joe Garson’ in BBC’s Casualty, as ‘Mitch’ in Channel 4’s Castoffs and as ‘Mr Greator the Creator’, the guest lead in the BAFTA winning Grandpa in my Pocket. He is currently being seen all over the world on Cartoonito in the BAFTA nominated hit children’s show Ha Ha Hairies playing the role of ‘Pa Ha Ha’. He has also appeared in numerous TV commercials. Pantomimes include Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Quinn is very happy to have been invited back to the Ashcroft Theatre to play ‘Dame Trott’ after having such great fun last year. He wishes everyone happy holidays and hopes 2013 brings you everything you could wish for. www.quinnpatrick.co.uk Twitter: @mrquinnpatrick
In 2012 Jay achieved a lifelong ambition when he appeared as a Brunel in the Pandemonium section of the Olympic Opening Ceremony directed by Danny Boyle. Jay has been an actor for over 25 years. His theatre work includes Kenny in The National Health; D’Artagnan in The Sons of the Musketeers; Charley in Charley’s Aunt; Noah Claypole in Oliver!; Corporal Travis in Flowers of England and Bosie in Oscar! He appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar (Royal Gala); as Kenny in Flora the Red Manace; Eric in Eric the Viking; John Wilkes Booth in Assassins and Ariel in The Tempest. He created the role of Tom in Paul Tucker’s Unlucky For Some in London and Brian in Dancin’ in the Street at Oldham Coliseum. He played Simeon/Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Cardinal Black in The Rampant Blade; John Luff in Margaret Catchpole; Paul in Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens; Angus in Macbeth; Nicholas in Missing; Terry in Boogie Nights; Herod in The London Nativity; Lord Goring in An Ideal Husband; Detective Starnes in Parade; the admiral in Black Eyed Susan and Mr Box in Box and Cox. Recently he played Smiley Man in Siamese Twins; the voice of Audrey II (the plant) in Little Shop of Horrors and Dr Acula in the world premiere of Vampirette at Manchester Opera House. On Television he has been seen in The Bill (Beggars and Choosers); Love From Greg as Greg; as Gary in WOOF! (The Milkman Never Rings Once); Killer Brand in Harry’s Mad; Thin Verne in the BBC’s Preston Front; Government Man in My Parents Are Aliens and Martin Burnham in Kidnapped Abroad - Philippines. His film work includes The Retreat; Cull; Charon; Dead Wood and a Jaws fan (the Bond character not the film) in Fanatic! He conceived and directed Shiny Happy People, a gala starring Victoria Wood that raised £10,000 for the life changing charity, Focus. This is Jay’s 20th pantomime season. He has appeared in pantomimes all over the country playing everything from Prince Charming to Ugly Sister but mostly as a villain of some sort or other!
Herbie is a musician, writer and actor but is best known as one of the UK's top comedy talents. His unique style bridges the gap between 'classic old-school' and 'new-school alternative' comedy. You may have seen him in various television productions for the BBC, ITV and Sky, but where Herbie excels is as a live performer. He is most at home on a theatre or comedy venue stage and is a regular on the UK and International comedy circuits. He has performed his one man show in over 20 different countries. One of Herbie's great loves is pantomime, and he has played a diverse array of roles from Smee in Peter Pan to the Lion in The Wizard of Oz, via Jack, Buttons and several Kings, to name but a few! Herbie is thrilled to be here in Croydon to mark his 10th season in pantomime. You can follow him on Twitter @ComedyHerbs
Gemma was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire and trained in Musical Theatre at the Arts Educational Schools, London, graduating with a first class degree in 2007. Theatre includes: ‘Sally’ in Me and My Girl (Kilworth House Theatre), ‘Enid’ and first cover ‘Elle’ in Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre, West End), ‘Ruby’ in Dames at Sea (Union Theatre), ‘Constance’ in The Kissing Dance (Jermyn Street Theatre), ‘Laurey’ in Oklahoma! (2010 UK tour with Marti Webb and Mark Evans), ‘Careen O'Hara’ and ‘Melanie’ (understudy) in Trevor Nunn's Gone with the Wind (New London Theatre), understudied and played ‘Rebecca’ in the London premier of Imagine This (New London Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Lady Be Good, ‘Fay’ in Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend (Regent’s Park Open Air, London), Children Will Listen (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), ‘Babe Botrelle’ in Crimes of the Heart, ‘Denise’ in Pages: Promised Land (Union Theatre), ‘Mabel’ in The Pirates of Penzance and ‘Lily’ in The Secret Garden (ArtsEd). Pantomime includes the ‘Princess’ in Jack and the Beanstalk (Sheffield Lyceum), ‘Tiger Lily’ in Peter Pan (Chelmsford) and ‘Wendy’ in Peter Pan (Marlowe Theatre Arena, Canterbury and The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield). Workshops/Readings include: The Mitford Girls (Chichester - On the Fly), Some Sunny Day (Sadler's Wells), ‘Juliet’ in Romeo and Juliet The Musical (ArtsEd), Ripper the Musical (Actors Church, Covent Garden) and Mata Hari (Her Majesty's Theatre). Film includes: Imagine This (Filmed at the New London Theatre, Drury Lane). Recordings include: Imagine This (Original London Cast Recording), Bluebird (Original Concept Recording), Spittin’ Distance (National Theatre Studios), Jackie in Terminal Four Play (Urban Scrawl).
After performing in Rep in Sheffield, Belfast and Devon, Gareth worked with touring companies Red Ladder and 7:84, whose production of One Big Blow led to the formation of the groundbreaking acapella group, The Flying Pickets. Gareth was the group’s original bass singer, enjoying great worldwide success including the single, ‘Only You’ which was the UK’s Christmas number one hit in 1983, staying at the top spot for five weeks. In the West End he has appeared in Jail House Rock at The Piccadilly and Jolson at The Victoria Palace. Recent theatre includes the American tour of The Caretaker, the Australian and West End productions of Waiting For Godot, Far From The Madding Crowd (ETT), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (No.1 Tour) and My Fair Lady (No.1 Tour). Other Theatre includes ‘Leonato’ in Much Ado About Nothing (Arundel); ‘Scrooge’ in A Christmas Carol (Durham & Wimbledon); ‘Thomas Beckett’ in Murder in the Cathedral (Chichester); ‘Mirdad’ in Mirdad The Boy From Bosnia (Chichester); ‘Egeus’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regents Park); ‘Tony Lumpkin’ in She Stoops to Conquer; ‘Crusoe’ in Man Friday; ‘Johnny’ in For Sylvia; the one man show, Lennon In His Own Write; Stags and Hens; Guys and Dolls, South Pacific and The Tempest. Television and Film includes Law and Order, Place of Execution; The History of Mr. Polly; EastEnders; Hope and Glory; Touching Evil; Wing and a Prayer; Mahew’s London; Churchill’s People; One Big Blow and Earth, Wind and Fire.
Cyrus trained at the Tring Park School for the performing arts on the Musical Theatre course. Theatre credits include: Dream Across the Ocean (Ashcroft Theatre); Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi (Tring Park); Jesus Christ Superstar (Shaw Theatre); Young Voices (UK Arena Tour). TV credits include: Robbie Osgood - Love on the Dance Floor, Dancer (Music Video) SDJEM – I’ll Be Around, Choreographer/Dancer (Music Video). Cyrus is delighted to be part of Evolution’s Jack and the Beanstalk at the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon, and would like to thank all his close family and friends for all their help and support.
Luke Cooper's dance journey began at the Herbert Justice Academy studying Jazz and Modern. At the age of sixteen he went straight into full time training at The Centre Performing Arts College under the direction of Karen King. Luke has been a part of the company Masters of Movement who performed at World of Dance. He also recently danced for Carrie Ann Ingrouille in a set she created for UK Stand Up. Luke aims to live by the motto ‘winners see a challenge, losers see a problem’ and tries to be as versatile as he can in all styles of dance. Luke would like to thank his family for always supporting him through thick and thin, to Lucy Lovick for being his backbone ever since he was younger and to all of his friends for inspiring him beyond belief.
Adem started his dance training at the age of sixteen at CPA College in Romford on the three year Musical Theatre diploma course. Throughout his college life Adem has appeared in many in-house productions such as Titanic – a piece devised by Ahmet Ahmet and Lyndsey Barnbrook for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. This production also toured schools in Havering as part of Havering’s Theatre In Education programme. Adem’s performing experience has seen him appear in many productions, such as, Made in Britain as a featured performer and Linus in Snoopy. Both performed at the Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford. Adem was proud to appear as a dancer for the Big Dance event in 2012 which was choreographed by Mark Smith, the founder of Deaf Men Dancing. Adem is very proud to be making his pantomime debut in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Ashcroft Theatre. He would like to thank his family for their support and would like to wish all his cast and audiences a very Merry Christmas.
Kerry began dancing at the young age of six. At fifteen, she went on to train at the Brit School before continuing at vocational level at London Studio Centre. After graduating there with a BA hons degree Kerry embarked upon her professional performing career. Theare Credits include: Ensemble / Understudy in Aladdin (Qdos Pantomime). TV credits include: Zombie Cheerleader in E4s Misfits (Series 3, Episode 7), Robot Ballerina in BBC’s M.I. High (Episode: Bully Eliot). Other work includes: Dancer in Barclays at the O2 (commercial), Dancer / Actress in Iceland’s Decadance 40th Anniversary Show (Corporate), Dancer in XBox 360 Kinect dance central 2 event (pop promo). Kerry is very much looking forward to being a part of the Ensemble Cast of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Training: Suzanne Stuart, Art of Dance in Tyneside, before gaining a scholarship to London Studio Centre where she graduated in 2009 after becoming Miss Dance of Great Britain. Theatre credits include: Ensemble for PartyLite Musical Gala based in Germany and touring Europe. TV credits include: Cast member of Byker Grove. Other work: Performer for Main Feature Productions (Dubai); LSC Jazz Dance Company (UK Tour); Costa Cruise Lines (World wide); Marcus Collins 'Mercy' video (London). Kirby would like to thank her family and friends for their constant love and support.
Emma was born in London but grew up in Kent where, as a young girl, she performed with the English Youth Ballet. Returning to London she attended London Studio Centre for three years, receiving the Gillian Lynne award and graduating with a BA Hons in Theatre Dance. It was here she trained in a variety of styles discovering her passion for commercial dance. This is Emma’s first professional pantomime and she is delighted to be part of this production.
Green Team Armani Hall Callie Buck Liberty Kane Megan Potter Mitzi Isted Sadie Byers Tilly Cox Winnie Isted
Red Team Bella Mort Chanel Rennie-Owusu Isabella Saggar Kelsey Calladine-Smith Kiera Greenwood Macy Bird Mia Santini Molly Kennard
Purple Team Alysha Reuben-Franklin Chloe Judge Ellie Fisher Isabella Metson Jessie Hunt Maddie Flannery Naomi Bruneel Olivia King
ACT ONE: The Prologue Scene 1: The Village Green Scene 2: A Lane Near the Village Scene 3: Dame Trott’s Dairy Scene 4: A Room at the Palace Scene 5: A Lane Near the Village Scene 6: Outside Dame Trott’s Cottage
ACT TWO: Scene 7: The Land of Clouds Scene 8: In the Depths of the Dungeons Scene 9: The Chamber of Gold Scene 10: The Giant’s Kitchen Scene 11: In the Depths of the Dungeons Scene 12: Outside Dame Trott’s Cottage Scene 12(a): The Chamber of Gold (song sheet) Scene 14: Cloudland (Finale)
Scenery and Costumes Supplied by Evolution Sets and Costumes (01304 853 539) Poster Artwork Origination and Photography Paul Clapp – Limelight Studios (01622 710 022) Sound Equipment Stage Sound Service Ltd Lighting Equipment Whitelight Scenic Transportation Southern Van Lines Pyrotechnics Le Maitre
Fairy Sugarsnap Jack Trott Giant Blunderbore Dame Trott Dr Fleshcreep Billy Trott Princess Tamara King Eric
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Laila Morse Sid Sloane Neil Fingleton Quinn Patrick Jay Worthy Herbie Adams Gemma Sutton Gareth Williams
Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble Ensemble
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Cyrus Brandon Luke Cooper Adem Hunter Kerry Boyne Kirby Campbell Emma Scott
Writer Director
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Paul Hendy David Janson
Set & Costume Designer Choreographer Lighting Designer Sound Designer
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Helga Wood Jono Kitchens Richard Williamson Jeremy George
Musical Director/Keyboards Bass Guitar Percussion -
Rob Eckland Eric Guy Justin Shaw
Company Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager
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Claire Kennard Ashleigh Sperring
Wardrobe Mistress
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Kate Hall
Technical Manager Chief LX & Swing Technician Duty Lighting Operator Duty Stage Manager Flyman Stage Crew Stage Crew Stage Crew Stage Crew Follow Spot 1 Follow Spot 2
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Chris Whybrow Robert Callender Hannah Griffiths Colin de Silva Malcolm York Sunny Radley Simon James Dan Ridley Jacob Rogers Catriona Maclean Nicola Buys
David has been a professional actor since he was nine years old. He appeared in the West End production of Oliver!, the Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night and worked for the RSC. He spent three years in one of TV’s first soap operas, The Newcomers, and gained acclaim in shows such as Get Some In, Don’t Rock the Boat and Grundy. He played ‘Herr Flick’ in the last series of ‘Allo ‘Allo and ‘Michael’ the postman in Keeping Up Appearances. Stage work includes: Roll on Four O’Clock (Palace Theatre); Out of the Crocodile (Sonning); My Giddy Aunt, How the Other Half Love (Bromley); Time and Time Again (Windsor / Basingstoke); The Taming of the Shrew (Finborough); Seasons Greetings, Taking Steps (Windsor); A Midsummer Nights Dream (Holland Park); The Ghost Train (Plymouth / UK tour); Run For Your Wife (Opera House, Jersey); What About Luv (Holland Park); and the musical of Jack The Ripper. National tours include Pools Paradise, The Golden Pathway Annual, Relatively Speaking, Don’t Start Without Me, Taking Steps, The Rivals, Watching, Absent Friends, ‘Allo ‘Allo (also Dominion Theatre) and a national tour of the stage version of Keeping Up Appearances. Pantomime appearances include Cinderella (Canterbury); Dick Whittington (Bognor Regis); Aladdin (Shaftesbury Theatre); Aladdin (Bromley / Redhill); Pinocchio (Potters Bar), Robin Hood (Blackburn). This is David’s fifth panto season for Evolution having directed Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and Peter Pan at Chatham. David has also directed Dick Whittington and Aladdin (Hastings); Jack and the Beanstalk (Croydon / Bromley); Cinderella (Southend / Cardiff); David has directed over one hundred and fifty children in Gala productions of Young Stars of Tomorrow, the tour of The Other Side Of Chris Barrie and a national tour of Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends. David also works as a line director in animation and specialises in working with children. He has worked as UK voice director for the Disney Corporation on projects such as: My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Pooh Halloween and The Heffalump Movie. Other voice directing projects include: Waybuloo, Paco Nouky & Lola, The New Famous Five, Luke The Lifeboat, Gene Fusion and Scooba.
Rob graduated from the Royal College of Music, London, after studying Commercial Piano with Mike Moran and Percussion/Drum Kit with David Hockings, Alex Neal and Ralph Salmins. Rob's career so far has included London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, The Brit Awards 2010, The NME Awards 2010 and The X Factor. Appearances at The Royal Albert Hall, The Big Chill Festival and The Hammersmith Apollo sit alongside performances for HRH Prince of Wales, performances at the BBC Proms, live radio broadcasts on BBC Radio and recording sessions at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Rob's credits either as performer or arranger include: Dizzee Rascall, Florence & The Machine, The Doobie Brothers, Simon Webbe, Underworld, Ian Shaw, The Maccabbees, Rick Wakeman, Lara Johnston (UK Tour), Emma Smith, Alex Trimble, Zoe Tyler, Michelle Gayle, Chris Madin, Ben Onono, Craig Colton, Meiko, Nikki French, John Cowan, Marc Russo, The English Chamber Orchestra, Sarah-Jane Lewis, Kwabs, David Heath, Colin Vassell, Evelyn Glennie. Rob’s theatre credits include Alan Cumming’s I Bought a Blue Car Today, which ran in the West End during the summer of 2009; The Twist Show, a show touring UK theatres performing 50s and 60s Rock 'n' Roll; and also Ha Ha Holmes: The Beast of the Blistervilles. Rob is also the MD and Arranger of a new show - Only Yesterday - a musical celebrating the work of Karen Carpenter. Rob is delighted to be back at Fairfield Halls again after his role as Musical Director for Aladdin last year. Enjoy the show! For more information, please visit www.robeckland.com
Jono is pleased to be choreographing for Evolution for a second year. Since last Christmas he has been busy choreographing for Vince Kidd's debut single Sick Love, assisting on a new advert for Vodafone Italy, various fashion events in London and even performed at the live launch for this years The X Factor. Jono has performed on The X Factor himself, as a backing dancer in 2009, as well as dancing at The Brit Awards for Lily Allen, in Eliza Doolittle’s music video Skinny Genes and even performed inside Buckingham Palace with Joe McElderry and Rumer for Her Majesty the Queen. Jono teaches regular classes at The Centre (where he also trained), Bird College and London Studio Centre. Find his YouTube channel "jonokitch" to keep up to date with all his routines and follow him on twitter @jonokitchens
After training at Brighton College of Art, then graduating in art history at the University of Essex, Helga completed a diploma in stage design at the University of Manchester , and subsequently began her professional career as assistant designer at the Library Theatre in Manchester. After two years there, she became a freelance designer, specialising in costume, millinery and scenic painting. In 1974 Helga joined Alan Ayckbourn’s company at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, and over the next three years designed the sets and costumes for the premieres of many of Ayckbourn’s famous comedies, including Bedroom Farce, Absent Friends, Ten Times Table, Taking Steps and Just Between Ourselves. In 1980 Helga was a founder member of Channel Theatre Company and resident designer from 1980 until 1986. She was responsible for the design of settings and costumes for The Medieval Mystery Plays performed at Canterbury Cathedral in 1986, 1989 and 1992, at Malvern Priory in 1989 and at Birmingham Cathedral in 1991. Other productions she has designed include the 60th Anniversary Malvern Festival production of Shaw’s Pygmalion; the European touring productions of Oklahoma!, Annie Get Your Gun and The Legend of Elvis Presley, and the original Chichester Festival production of Peter Pan starring Toyah Willcox and Frank Finlay which toured to many theatres in Britain. She also designed sets and costumes for the musicals Patsy Cline, and Tapping Harlem. Helga has spent the last 25 years working primarily on pantomimes for Kevin Wood Productions and later for Evolution Productions, and during that time has designed the scenery and costumes for countless shows in many different theatres throughout the British Isles. During recent years Helga has been the costume and scenery designer and supervisor on community productions of Oliver! starring Ron Moody, The Wizard of Oz and Annie at the Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, and Oliver! at the Central Theatre Chatham, for which she designed and regularly costumed up to six hundred people! In 2005 she designed both the scenery and costumes for a revival of The Mystery Plays at Canterbury Cathedral which starred Edward Woodward as God, for which her costumes gained great critical acclaim from The Times newspaper. In between theatre projects Helga practises as a freelance mural painter and a specialist decorative painter, for which she has also run study courses at adult education and City and Guilds levels.
Richard trained at LAMDA and has worked in regional and London theatre. Recent lighting designs include: The Last Session, Tristan Bates; The Dark Side of Love, Roundhouse; Amphibians, Bridewell Theatre; Richard III, An Arab Tragedy, Swan Theatre Stratford and international tour; La Bohème Charing Cross Theatre; 20th Century Boy: The Musical, New Wolsey Theatre; The Firewatchers, Old Red Lion; The Taming of the Shrew, The Execution of Justice and Summer Begins, Southwark Playhouse; The Provoked Wife, Greenwich Playhouse; Thrill Me, Tristan Bates Theatre; Boy With a Suitcase, Peer Gynt, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Night Just Before the Forest, Tartuffe, Through a Cloud, King Arthur, Mojo Mickybo, The Great Theatre of the World, Tombstone Tales and The Country, all for the Arcola Theatre; In My Name, Trafalgar Studios; Follow, Finborough; Play Size, Young Vic; All Those People I Have Met, Hoxton Hall; Dutchman, Etcetera Theatre and Edinburgh Festival; Blue Jam, Etcetera Theatre and Riverside Studios; The Al-Hamlet Summit (English and Arabic productions), Tokyo International Festival and international tour; Best Friends, New End; Crossing the Line, Baltimore college, USA; Onysos the Wild, Theatre 503 and the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. As Associate Lighting Designer: Mrs Warren’s Profession, Strand Theatre London and national tour, and as Assistant Lighting Designer: Elmina's Kitchen, national tour and West End, and re-lights for the Lyric Hammersmith production of Metamorphosis. Richard is Production Manager for C Venues at the Edinburgh Festival, Technical Manager for the Greenwich and Docklands Festivals and develops industry iOS applications such as PlayFadePause and Rosco's myGobo. Richard’s gallery and full CV can be seen at www.richard-williamson.com
Jeremy has worked extensively at the Royal Opera House and the London Coliseum as well as on various productions around the country as Head of Sound and Production Sound Engineer. Recent credits include: 42nd Street, UK Tour (Sound No.1); 42nd Street, Leicester Curve (Sound No.1); The King's Speech, UK Tour and West End (Production Sound Engineer and Touring Sound No.1); Three Kingdoms, Ghost Stories and Dick Whittington at the Lyric Hammersmith (Sound Operator); Roald Dahl's Twisted Tales, Lyric Hammersmith and UK Tour (Production Sound Engineer); Decade, Headlong Theatre Company (Production Sound Engineer) and Fela! at Sadler's Wells (Cover Sound No.2). Jeremy is delighted to be returning to Pantoland this Christmas at the Ashcroft Theatre where he started his career.
Emily was born into a theatrical family so had no choice but to get involved from an early age. She worked as an Assistant Stage Manager during school holidays and at the age of fifteen even went on a European Tour of Oklahoma. When she left school she gave up pantomimes to read French and Italian Literature at Oxford University. As part of her course she lived in Paris for a year and worked as a Production Manager making TV commercials. On leaving university, Emily worked for Academy Films for four years as a Production Manager and Producer’s Assistant. During this time she worked on cinema commercials for Stella Artois, Levis, Diet Coke, Pantene, X-Box and many more top brands. This work took her as far afield as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Miami. During this time Emily worked alongside director Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast) on the feature film Birth starring Nicole Kidman and Lauren Bacall. Yet even the glamour of working alongside these top Hollywood stars couldn’t sway Emily from what must have been a pre-destined fate... producing pantomimes! She returned to the family business, Kevin Wood Productions and coproduced three pantomime seasons for them. In 2005 she took over the business with her husband Paul under the new banner of Evolution and the company has been going strong ever since. Emily will be producing seven pantomimes this season and juggling all this with being a mummy to Freddie, Poppy and Jago who are, without doubt, her finest (and most exhausting!) productions to date.
Versatility is the key word in Paul’s career; he is a writer, director, producer, actor and TV presenter. If you looked very closely, you might have seen him hosting shows such as The Disney Club, Don’t Try This at Home with Davina McCall and Wheel of Fortune, which had been running for twenty three years until Paul hosted one series and they cancelled it! He also hosted the BAFTA nominated Dear Mr Barker and the cult classic Stash the Cash (‘cult’ meaning it was rubbish but students liked it!) His novels Diary of a C-List Celeb (in no way autobiographical… honest!) and Who Killed Simon Peters? were published by Transworld in 2004 and 2009 and received great critical acclaim. Alongside a career in writing and television, Paul has always been passionate about pantomime. He performed in twenty-five professional pantomimes, has written over fifty scripts, and for the last thirteen years has directed at least two major pantos a year (sometimes three!). He is extremely proud of Evolution’s reputation for producing some of the funniest and most spectacular pantomimes in the country. Paul’s finest productions to date are his three children – Freddie, who is seven, Poppy Sunshine, who is three, and nine-month old Jago who is officially the cutest baby in the world (he takes after his father!). Paul’s children are his biggest fans and his harshest critics and he tries out all his new jokes on them! (He hopes you laugh more than they do!) Enjoy the show!
Emily Wood & Paul Hendy started Evolution Productions in 2005 and have built a reputation for superior, bespoke pantomimes with the emphasis on high quality production values, strong casting and genuinely funny scripts. They are extremely proud of the fact that in a recent Daily Mail report on the ‘Top Ten Pantomimes in the Country’, three of the shows were produced by Evolution. Over the last eight years they have produced pantomimes in some of the best theatres in the country and this Christmas they are producing Sleeping Beauty at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury starring Gareth Gates, Toyah Willcox and Katrina Bryan (Nina from Nina and the Neurons); Cinderella at the Central Theatre in Chatham starring Cheryl Fergison and Paul Burling (Britain’s Got Talent); Cinderella at The Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield starring Jonathan Ansell and Ben Faulks (Mr Bloom); Aladdin at the Alban Arena in St Albans starring Shaun Williamson and Phil Gallagher (AKA Mister Maker); Jack and the Beanstalk at the Theatre Severn Shrewsbury and Aladdin at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil. Paul and Emily are thrilled to be producing Jack and the Beanstalk here at the Ashcroft Theatre. They hope you enjoy the show as much as they’ve enjoyed producing it!
FOR EVOLUTION PRODUCTIONS
FOR EVOLUTION SETS AND COSTUMES
Producer: Producer: Production Co-ordinator:
Emily Wood Paul Hendy Alison Grant
Designer: Manager: Production Manager:
Helga Wood Dorcas Wood Jamie Plummer
Accountant: Payroll: Comedy Consultant: Director of Tantrums: Executive in Charge of Dribble:
Frank Whitten Sylvia Sims Freddie Hendy Poppy Sunshine Hendy Jago Hendy
Costume Supervisor: Principal Costume Maker: Costume Maker/Milliner: Costume Maker: Costume Assistant:
Helga Wood Anna Harper Sue Cook Marian Heath Elizabeth Tophill
Master Carpenter: Production Carpenter: Scenic Artists: Prop Makers:
Frankie Tolmie Mark Norrington Amy Chamberlain Michelle Marden Julian Clifton
Production Assistant: Store Assistants:
Stumpy Pearce Josh Mallet, Tobias Jones
The evil Dr Fleshcreep has tried to confuse Fairy Sugarsnap! He has jumbled up these pictures, can you help her work out what has happened? There are five differences, can you spot them all?
Jack needs some help! Can you unscramble these mixed up words for him?
t a e S Blank
Perch Self Red
Again Spray Surf
n a T g u B e n i l r e d r Bo
Why did the cow cross the road? To get to the udder side!
How did J ack know how man beans his y cow was w Because h o rth? e used a c owc ulator!
etable g e v t s e t s a f What is the in the world? n! A runner bea
What is the bigge st ant in the World A gi-ant! ? Spot The Difference: 1.The King’s button on his coat, 2. Princess Tamara’s shoes, 3. Jack’s patch on his jacket, 4. Fleshcreep in bottom corner, 5. The King’s socks. Mixed Up Words: Beanstalk, Dr Fleshcreep, Fairy Sugarsnap, Giant Blunderbore.
FIELD FA I R HALLS
www.fairfield.co.uk
Fairfield Information FAIRFIELD E-DIARY Visit www.fairfield.co.uk fill out the form and you can get information on all of Fairfield’s upcoming events for FREE! Benefits: - Monthly email with all show information - Advance information on special interest events
FAIRFIELD SHOWCARD There are lots of benefits to being a ShowCard member: - Special offers and ticket discounts - Bi-monthly newsletter and bi-monthly diary of events - 10% discount at the Brasserie Yearly membership £18, Senior Citizens £10. Call the Fairfield Box Office on 020 8688 9291 to join.
Volunteer at Fairfield Please contact Box Office on 020 8688 9291 for details about our Corps of Stewards
ADVANCE MAILING LIST You can join our Advance Mailing List and receive our bi-monthly diary of events. Yearly subscription is £4.95. Call the Fairfield Box Office 020 8688 9291 to join.
FAIRFIELD CORPS OF STEWARDS Interested in the world of entertainment? Have you an evening to spare? If so, why not join the voluntary Fairfield Corps of Stewards and help front of house at Fairfield. Members assist at a wide range of events from classical music to pop, ballet to theatre to name but a few. For more information please contact: The Secretary, Fairfield Corps of Stewards, Freepost, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, CR0 1EE.
FAIRFIELD GIFT AID DONATIONS Fairfield is a registered charity dedicated to providing the people of Croydon with a venue that both houses international entertainment and is home for local performing and visual arts. We need your help now and in the future to continue presenting a diverse range of events for future generations to enjoy. If you would like to help Fairfield, simply contact our Devolpent Officer Elinor Wood on develepment@fairfield.co.uk, or write to Elinor Wood, Development Manager, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG.
Past Pantos at the Ashcroft Theatre
1. Mother Goose Starring Cyril Fletcher and Betty Astell December 1963
2. Aladdin Starring Cyril Fletcher and Betty Astell December 1965
3. Babes in the Wood December 1974
4. Dick Whittington December 1978
For more images from Fairfield’s history please visit our 50th Anniversary archive at www.fairfieldat50.com
Fairfield Halls is extremely grateful to the following companies and organisations for their generous support of Fairfield’s 50th Anniversary.
Abstract Group of Companies
KING MEAD & CO
BoxOffice 020 8688 9291
Online www.fairfield.co.uk