After more than 50 years in the business, Miriam Margolyes is about to make her pantomime debut as the voice of the Giant Blunderbore in Jack and the Beanstalk at Lighthouse this Christmas.
Known to millions all over the world from her work as a character actor across film, television and stage, 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!
At the age of 85, how is it that she has waited until now to make her pantomime debut?
“Well, I think it’s because I was nervous of having to do three shows a day!” she laughs, adding that she’s very glad her first pantomime performance is voice only and pre-recorded so she won’t be appearing in person.
“I just feel I haven’t now got enough energy to sustain multiple shows each day – I can do one all right, but they need more than that for the money I’m charging!”
Miriam has very kindly donated her fee to the Lighthouse Christmas Appeal enabling even more families and children to experience the magic of theatre who might not otherwise be able to.
“I love panto. 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 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. In a classic Poole panto twist, Giant Blunderbore is not a typical Jack and the Beanstalk giant, he’s a reluctant baddie, much to Miriam’s delight.
“I liked the idea of having a giant who was rather put upon and not really an evil giant. He needed a bit of help, and I liked that because I think life is hard, and it’s hard for giants too.
“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!”
Miriam is currently on tour promoting her new book, Full English, in which she explores Britain’s identity, examining fairness, free speech, and what unites the nations and regions with trademark wit and forthright opinions.
“I didn’t like the direction England was going in,” she says. “That’s why I wrote it. I thought everybody needed a kick up the *** to make them realise that people have all got to be treated with respect and kindness, whether they were born in Afghanistan, in a castle, in the woods or wherever. We’re all human, and we’ve got to treat each other as human beings.
“I felt that England wasn’t doing that, so this is a bit of a slap on the wrist.”
And what has she learned about the people of Britain from her tour?
“Well, I think they don’t read enough. We’re all sandwiched in our phones all the time, and people don’t look at you any more when they talk to you. I want to see people’s faces. I think that’s what’s surprised me – we’ve all been enthralled by the phone and the internet. It’s not good. It’s not good.”
Which is exactly where live theatre comes in – and few things are livelier than a Poole panto audience in full cheer. It’s a great reason to come to see Jack and the Beanstalk, says Miriam.
“I think people should come not to hear me, but to see all the other actors, because everybody’s seen me. They’re sick of me!
“They should have the most wonderful time that pantomime always delivers every year. It’s a must. It’s the way kids’ imaginations are stimulated for the first time, and I think we’re very lucky to have pantomime in our lives.
“So everybody should come. And it’s such a lovely theatre. Oh my goodness, it’s beautiful! So get your tickets and come!”
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.
(Miriam Margoyles was talking to Robert Rees)
(NC)