Hackney Empire unveils cast for Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime
Hackney Empire has revealed the full cast for its 2023 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring award-winning Clive Rowe in a dual role as director and Dame Trot. The production is part of the venue’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
Hackney Empire will stage Jack and the Beanstalk from 21 November to 31 December, with a press performance scheduled for 3 December. Clive Rowe returns to direct and perform as Dame Trot, continuing his long association with the theatre’s pantomime tradition.
Joining Rowe, who has played multiple Dame roles at Hackney Empire over more than 25 years, are Kat B as Simple Simon Trot and Louise Cielecki as Fairy Firethorn. The cast also features Christopher Staines as Stephen Fleshcreep, Marina Lawrence-Mahrra as Jack Trot, Summer Priest as Jill, and Andre Antonio playing Harp and Timothy Trot.
The ensemble includes Ellie Greenway, Alanna Panditaratne, Charlie Scales, Toby Seddon, Lara Wollington, Sam Jamison, and Charlize Indigo, who makes her professional debut. Kat B celebrates their 21st pantomime at Hackney Empire in this production.
The creative team is led by writer Will Brenton, with original music and songs by Steven Edis. Set and costume design are by Cleo Pettitt, and Wendy Gadian serves as musical director, arranger, orchestrator, and supervisor.
Choreography is by Mike Ward, lighting design by Tim Mitchell with Jake Lawrence as associate lighting designer, and sound design by Richard Bell. Costume supervision is handled by Sades Robinson-Craft, with Clare Packham assisting in direction and Rosamunde Hutt as casting associate.
Producer Emily Obasohan and production manager Tom Kingdon from Production Solutions Group oversee the staging. Rowe was nominated for Best Director at last year’s UK Pantomime Awards for Hackney Empire’s Cinderella, reflecting his ongoing influence on pantomime at this historic venue.
Jack and the Beanstalk forms a key part of Hackney Empire’s wider 125th anniversary programming, emphasising the theatre’s role in sustaining traditional British pantomime culture.
