J’AIME NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

F E AT U R E
Panto for all at Lichfield
THE LICHFIELD GARRICK IS GEARING UP FOR A HEARTWARMING SEASON OF
FESTIVE FUN AS SHOWPIECE PANTO BEAUTY AND THE BEAST GETS UNDERWAY.
AMY NORBURY CHATS TO THE THEATRE’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DANIEL
BUCKROYD AND PANTO FAVOURITE SAM RABONE TO DISCOVER MORE
PHOTOS BY PAMELA RAITH PHOTOGRAPHY
THE CAST OF BEAUTY
AND THE BEAST
It’s one of the festive season’s most enduring
traditions; a slice of good old British entertainment
and, often, a first foray into theatre for the younger
members of the family. That’s right; Christmas just
wouldn’t be Christmas for many of us without a trip
to the panto.
At theatres across the land, the festive season is
marked with cries of ‘He’s behind you!’ and ‘Oh no
it isn’t’, as audiences cheer the goodies and boo the
villains while panto dames ensure chaos ensues with
the requisite bucket (or vat!) of slosh.
And Lichfield is no exception. The Lichfield
Garrick’s showpiece panto is a highlight of the
theatre calendar for audiences and staff alike, with
tickets for each year’s show snapped up by eager
punters looking for that little bit of festive magic to
share with their family.
This year, it’s the turn of Beauty and the Beast to
get the panto treatment, complete with magic and
mayhem from a star-studded cast accompanied by
lavish sets, fantastic music and beautiful costumes.
But as the cost of living continues to spiral, even the
theatre’s most accessible show has become a financial
stretch too far for some.
Cultural experiences hold a special place in our
hearts, and they have an undeniable impact on our
mental wellbeing. So this Christmas, the Garrick is
once again on a mission to bring smiles to the faces
of families in the region who have weathered a tough
year with its heartwarming Christmas Ticket Appeal,
calling on the support of local businesses to join
together and make a meaningful difference to people
6
www.jaimemagazine.com