What’s on in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire 2010 (Events close to RAF Marham)

December 2010
4th - 5th December 2010
Norwich Medieval Market

10th - 12th December
Norwich Cathedral Historic Christmas Fayre

King's Lynn venue stages first ever Pantomime

Jack and the Beanstalk:
King's Lynn Corn Exchange
9th December 2010 - 2nd January 2011

Refurbished in 1996, King’s Lynn’s Corn Exchange has welcomed a host of big name comedy, music and theatre acts to the town. This Christmas the venue presents its first ever pantomime with a production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

The cast will be headed by John Altman (Nasty Nick Cotton from EastEnders) in the role of the villain Fleshcreep and features Steven Pinder (Max Farnham from Brookside) as King Cuthbert and Tracey Penn in the role of Jack.

General Manager, Les Miller describes the decision as an exciting departure. “It’s an important development for the venue.In the theatre world, not only does a successful pantomime help subsidise other programming; it is also quite often the first taste of theatre for many families and young children. It’s a first step in building audiences for the future and will help us consolidate and develop the Corn Exchange’s provision.”

The show will be produced by Jordan Productions, a company with almost twenty years of experience in producing traditional panto.

“We’re delighted to be making our debut in King’s Lynn,” said Jordan Productions’ Chris Jordan, “Our ethos is very traditional with an emphasis on live music and story-lead panto that combines silliness and sophistication in equal measures - appealing not only to the kids, but to adults as well. We believe it to be very much a family event.”

On the casting of notorious ‘bad boy’ John Altman: “John’s great as the archetypal pantomime villain,” says Mr Jordan. “He genuinely loves it, but he’s an immensely versatile actor too with stage, film and TV credentials. That’s important to us. We want our actors to be schooled in stage and musical theatre, rather than merely the reality TV star of the moment.”

Altman began his theatrical career at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House in 1976 where he worked as assistant stage manager and flyman and made the occasional walk-on. With appearances in movies such as Return of the Jedi and Quadrophenia, stage credits have included the roles of Bill Sykes in Oliver, Lucky Eric in Bouncers and Billy Flynn in Chicago The Musical.

On his career in villainous roles, Mr Altman says; “I guess its something about the way I look. If I was a blue-eyed blonde, I’d probably get to play more angelic roles… but that wouldn’t be half as much fun!”

And Christmas looks set to be fun for many at the Corn Exchange as the venue is already reporting strong sales. “It’s extremely encouraging news in our first year,” says Mr Miller. “Christmas is still a few months away and while there’s less money in people’s pockets, it’s a testament to the feel-good factor a great pantomime generates.”

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange from Thursday 9 December until Sunday 2 January.

Tickets are available on 01553 764864 or online at http://www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/