Renowned for delivering spectacular and unforgettable pantomimes, Watford Palace Theatre is
delighted to reveal the full cast for Jack and the Beanstalk. Featuring vibrant costumes, toe-
tapping tunes, and witty humour for all ages, this year’s production offers a spectacular show to
kickstart the festive season. With iconic songs across the decades, playful plant-based puns, and
larger than life characters, the Giant will be voiced by national treasure Stephen Fry, promising
Fee Fi Fo Fun for the whole family.
Audiences are invited into a world of wonder, where Jack must outwit the greedy Giant,
navigate a rather clumsy Fairy, and deal with the hilariously fearsome Dame Judy Henchman.
Leading the cast is stage favourite Imad Eldeen (Mother Goose Theatre Clwyd; As You Like It
Leeds Playhouse) as the courageous Jack, alongside Jessica Dennis (The Merchant of Venice
1936 RSC West End National Tour; Romeo + Juliet Orange Tree Theatre) as the villainous Judy
Henchman, and Lauren Azania (Hadestown Lyric Theatre; Wicked Universal Pictures) as the
ever-magical Fairy Nuff.
Returning to Watford for his thirteenth pantomime season is the legendary Terence Frisch (The
Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes, Disney; Joy Bubbles The Other Palace), taking on the role
of Dame Trott. A true Watford favourite, Frisch has delighted Palace audiences in productions of
Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mother
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Goose Robin Hood and Sleeping Beauty. Joining the cast is Philippa Carson (The Reckoning, ITV;
NewsRevue, Edinburgh Fringe) as Simone, Tia Antoine Charles (13 Going on 30, Opera House
Manchester; Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre) as Jill, and Tom Giles (Silence!, Underbelly; Emmerdale)
as Goosey. Ben Anderson (Hairspray, UK Tour; Aladdin, Hackney Empire Theatre) and Hannah
Lancaster (Where is Peter Rabbit, Old Laundry Theatre; Cats, Royal Caribbean International) will
perform as part of the ensemble.
This year’s pantomime is written by CEO and Director of Programming Steve Marmion. As an an
acclaimed Artistic Director he is committed in making theatre for people who don’t traditionally
go and seeking out new audiences and artists with stories and insights that are unheard of. As a
pantomime pioneer, being the CEO of PantoCo Ltd., he has worked in the creative industries for
over 20 years and was previously the Artistic Director for Soho Theatre from 2010-18.
Jack and the Beanstalk will be directed by James Williams, Associate Director of Watford Palace
Theatre. With extensive experience in creating theatre with, for, and by people of all ages, he
will bring a strong focus on community engagement and youth-led creativity. His work spans
new writing, musicals, short film, devising, and pantomime, having directed over 30 productions
with young people, including SpongeBob the Musical, James & the Giant Peach, and Abi’s House
Party.
The production will feature Watford Palace Theatre’s very own talented Young Ensemble of 16
performers aged 11 to 17, drawn from across Watford and surrounding areas. Many of these
rising stars are part of the Watford Palace Young Company, taking part in weekly workshops
that nurture creativity, confidence, and performance skills. Split into two teams, they will
alternate performances, playing everything from enchanted beans and mischievous animals to
kidnapped villagers.
Artistic Director for the Watford Place Young Company James Williams comments, This year’s
Jack and the Beanstalk is our most magical yet — a celebration of wonder, laughter, and
community spirit. With Terence Frisch returning as Dame and the voice of Stephen Fry as Giant,
we’ve pushed the spectacle to new heights while staying true to everything that makes
pantomime special: audience participation, heart, and joy. I hope every family who comes
through our doors leaves believing a little more in magic.