Latest news with #JackandtheBeanstalk
Western Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Torch Theatre invites entries for panto villain competition
The Torch Theatre's latest design competition will see the winning entry transformed into a key character for this year's festive pantomime, Rapunzel. Entrants are being asked to imagine and create an 'evil sea creature' that will appear on stage throughout the show, which runs from Saturday, December 6 to Sunday, December 28. Tim Howe, senior manager of youth and community at the Torch Theatre, said: "This year's adventure starts with you. "Get involved by helping us to design one of our pantomime baddies – an evil sea creature. "Under the command of the dastardly Mother Gothel, this sea creature scares and traps our heroes deep underwater. "But what does it look like? "It could be part octopus, shark and stingray. "Or is it more like a dolphin with fangs and tentacles? "We just don't know. "We're a little bit stuck and need your help." The Torch Theatre is encouraging young people to let their imaginations run wild. Entries can be created in any format, including collage, digital art or hand-drawn designs. Mr Howe said: "You can send us your ideas for a design in any format. "They could be made of a collage of images and textures, cutouts from magazines, strips of material, created on the computer or they could be hand drawn – let your imaginations run wild." The winning creation will be brought to life by the theatre's production team and featured in every performance of Rapunzel. The competition is open to three age groups: under fives, five to 10, and 11 to 18. A winner will be selected from each category, with one overall winner seeing their design turned into the on-stage sea creature. All entries will be displayed in the Joanna Field Gallery at the Torch Theatre throughout December. Last year's 'Design a Golden Object' competition for Jack and the Beanstalk attracted nearly 200 entries. The Torch Theatre is hoping to see even greater participation this year. The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 10, 2025. Entries should be created on A4 paper and include the designer's name, school or college, and contact details on the back. Designs should be sent to Mother Gothel's Sea Creature Competition, Torch Theatre, St Peter's Rd, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, SA73 2BU. In addition to the main performances, the Torch Theatre has scheduled a relaxed environment performance of Rapunzel for Saturday, December 13 at 2pm, and a BSL-interpreted performance on Tuesday, December 16 at 6pm. For more information, visit the Torch Theatre website or contact the box office on 01646 695267.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh theatre company brings two exciting new shows to the Fringe
Arbery Theatre returns to the 2025 Fringe with two new plays that will entertain and challenge audiences. First up is A Pound of Flesh, a version of Shakespeare's classic The Merchant of Venice, which upturns the original plot and ends in tragedy. That is followed by Transfers - eight short scenes weaving backwards and forwards in time, following £500 as it passes from person to person in an endless loop. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Eleven actors, from seasoned professionals to relative newcomers make up the cast of these very different plays. While A Pound of Flesh uses Shakespeare's original text and words and imagery in his style - "My soul bewitched by young Bassanio, three long days and longer nights his absence hath endured" - Transfers is very much set in modern-day Britain. In the second play men and women suddenly find themselves £500 richer. How did it come to them? What will they do with the money now they have got it? A Pound of Flesh is written and directed by Martin Foreman, whose work first appeared at the Fringe in 2014. Leading the cast of Transfers is director Michael Robert-Brown, whose professional acting career began in 2018. Among the cast are Ollie Hiemann, last seen as Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk in Portobello Town Hall, Shakespeare veteran Danielle Farrow in her first outing as Shylock, and Dunbar-based Kirsten Maguire in a moving role in Transfers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Both plays run throughout the Fringe at the central Edinburgh venue of theSpace on the Mile, with previews on 1st and 2nd August and then every night except 10th and 17th. Tickets available through the Fringe box office or on the door.
Mint
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Lounge Loves: ‘Madhobilota', an Italian spice mix and more
The thing with vines is they like to sprawl, some elegantly, others messily. Sometimes they need a helping hand, in the form of a rope, a ledge or a stick to give them a headstart. The Bengali word for a vine plant is lota: like madhobilota, or Rangoon creeper. Somehow, the name conjures up visions of a woman drying her long, flowing hair on a buttery-warm day. The flowers were apparently christened madhobi by RabindrananthTagore himself; there's also a poem by him which evokes the flower: Madhobi hothat kotha hote elo (Where did Madhobi come from suddenly)? He was perhaps referring to the sweet whiff of the flowers catching you by surprise. That is exactly how I felt the presence of this madhobilata. I had to cross over to the other side of the road to see it in all its glory, climbing up the house like the beanstalk in Jack and the Beanstalk. —Nipa Charagi I had been a fan of MasterChef Australia until George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan stepped down as judges in 2019. I resumed watching the reality cooking show only recently. The series is currently in its 17th season, with a theme that sees contestants from the previous seasons fighting for the coveted title. What I am enjoying the most is the spotlight on native Australian ingredients, and food traditions, and the recurring homage to the land. I recently came to know about Anzac biscuits, which were given to Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers during World War I as part of their rations; it seems the ingredients did not spoil easily and had a long shelf life. I am all up for biscuits that come with a dash of history. During a recent trip, I noticed three women rummaging through aisles at Milan airport's duty-free shop. 'It's not here,' shouted one across the room. Another shouted back, 'I found it!' Intrigued, I asked what they were searching for. An Italian spice that will 'change your life', one smiled, showing her haul of 15 tin boxes. It was a mix of garlic, parsley and hot pepper spice mix. I thought she was exaggerating. Still, I still bought three. Two months in, I add that spice to everything, from eggs to raita. Its subtle chilli-ness with a sharp garlic taste hasn't changed my life but has certainly added a different kind of spice to it. —Pooja Singh
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Experience the magic of Jack and the Beanstalk: a family pantomime in Cape Town
A scene from Jack and the Beanstalk Image: Supplied As winter approaches, Cape Town is set to sparkle with a wonderful theatrical experience, as the beloved KickstArt Theatre, in partnership with the Baxter Theatre, makes its vibrant debut in the Mother City. From 3 to 27 July 2025, families can delight in the award-winning pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, a spectacular production designed to engage audiences of all ages. For nearly three decades, KickstArt Theatre has taken Durban by storm, captivating audiences with its charming performances. Now, the acclaimed theatre company is ready to enchant Cape Town, offering families an opportunity to step away from screens and dive into the magic of storytelling, all while creating a new seasonal tradition. This year's spectacular production features an impressive creative team that has previously brought to life beloved musicals such as My Fair Lady and Beauty and the Beast. Directed and written by Steven Stead, known for his masterful interpretations, the show promises to encapsulate the essence of joyful storytelling while enchanting audiences with its elaborate designs helmed by three-time Fleur du Cap winner Greg King. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Families can delight in the award-winning pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, a spectacular production designed to engage audiences of all ages. Image: Supplied The star-studded cast brings together talent from across the region, showcasing graduate William Young from the Waterfront Theatre School in the role of the brave Jack. Joining him is the golden-voiced Roshanda Lewis as Princess Jill, while Blessing Xaba, famed for his role in Spud, takes on the comic challenge of portraying Jack's mother, Dame Flora Flatbroke. Together, they are supported by a stellar ensemble, including accomplished actors Bryan Hiles, Brent Palmer, Liesl Coppin, Lyle Buxton, and Samantha Landers. In a special treat, the Baxter Theatre will feature Sunday performances, allowing busy families to attend the show with greater ease during the mid-year school holidays. This production of Jack and the Beanstalk intertwines classic storytelling with catchy music, humour, romance, and an abundance of audience participation, showcasing vibrant costumes and magical set designs that ensure a spectacle both young and old will cherish. Whether you are a theatre enthusiast on the lookout for captivating performances or a parent seeking delightful activities for the children, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Baxter Theatre promises to be a highlight of Cape Town's winter calendar. With just 24 days to enjoy this theatrical adventure, don't miss the chance to experience what could be the most enchanting family outing this season.
Perth Now
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
School holiday fun: Spare Parts Puppet Theatre returns with Beanstalk
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre invites families to reconsider a familiar tale with Beanstalk, a witty and heartfelt reimagining of Jack and the Beanstalk, running from July 5 to 19 at the Ellie Eaton Theatre, Claremont Showground. First presented in 2021 and recipient of the Performing Arts Awards of WA's Best Mainstage Production, Beanstalk flips the traditional narrative to tell the story from the giant's perspective. Written and performed by Perth's Sam Longley, the production introduces audiences to Brian, a gentle giant with a passion for cooking, cloud-making, and clearing his name. What follows is a fast-paced and very funny hour of theatre, full of clever dialogue, absurd characters and comic twists. Longley, who brings both physical presence and sharp comedic timing to the role, crafts a warm and disarming portrayal of Brian as he recounts the chaos caused by one very curious intruder. The production blends tight writing with visual inventiveness, featuring a cast of puppets made from bread, vegetables, and kitchen staples. Jack appears as a loaf of bread; his mother, a dignified celery stalk. It's equal parts ridiculous and inspired. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Don't miss out on 50 minutes of creative and thoughtful storytelling. Credit: Supplied. The show is a fine example of Spare Parts' signature approach, combining playful storytelling with layered, thoughtful themes. Beneath the laughs lies a clear message about empathy, perspective, and the dangers of a single story. Design by Bryan Woltjen and music by Lee Buddle round out the production, creating an immersive, richly detailed world above the clouds. With a runtime of 50 minutes and suitable for ages five and up, Beanstalk offers a rare blend of comedy, craft, and heart. An ideal outing for families these winter school holidays. Tickets are available for purchase on their website or by calling 9335 5044.
