Lighthouse is delighted to announce national treasure Miriam Margolyes is to make her pantomime debut as the voice of the Giant Blunderbore in Jack and the Beanstalk.
Known for her work as a character actor across film, television and stage in a career spans more than 50 years, Miriam achieved international prominence with her portrayal of Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film series.
But she has never been in a pantomime – until now!
“I love panto,” says Miriam. “Panto was my first experience of theatre; that’s how I became interested in it. I think it’s very important to take kids to see shows.”
Miriam’s performance in Jack and the Beanstalk is pre-recorded and while she will not appear in person her characterisation of the friendly, cheese-eating Giant will be a terrific addition to the stellar cast headed by CBeebies star Chris Jarvis as Dame Trott, Sarah-Louise Young as the baddie Fleshcreep and rising star of music theatre Bernadette Bangura as Fairy Sunshine.
“I like the idea of having a giant who was rather put upon and not really an evil giant. I hope that, in the end, you’ll rather love the giant, because he’s not a bad giant. He’s just had a hard life, and he’s very greedy. And, you know, I’m rather greedy too!”
Lighthouse is also thrilled that Miriam has donated her fee to its annual Christmas Appeal. This will enable more children to attend the panto in Poole this year.
“We are so happy that one of our foremost stage and screen actors agreed to be part of our panto this year,” says Lighthouse Chief Executive Elspeth McBain.
“It’s a giant of a role that will be made even more so by an actor of Miriam’s stature – we can’t wait to see how our audiences react.”
Made in Poole especially for Lighthouse audiences, Jack and the Beanstalk is the latest in a run of hit pantomime in recent years that has included the national Panto Award nominated Dick Whittington last year and winners Aladdin and Cinderella. It’s written and directed by Chris Jarvis with choreographer Daniel Donaldson Todd, production designer James Smith and musical director Adam Tuffrey.
:: Tickets available now at Jack and the Beanstalk (Panto 2026/27) – Lighthouse and on 01202 280000.
(NC)