The White Rock Theatre is thrilled that much-loved actress Michelle Collins, who stars as The Fairy, and X Factor star Chico, who plays the title role of Jack, have celebrated opening night in this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Michelle made her television debut alongside Gary Oldman in Morgan’s Boy before going on to appear in numerous primetime programmes including Real Women, Sunburn, The Sleeper, Two Thousand Acres of Skye, the Emmy and BAFTA award-winning The Illustrated Mum and Doctor Who.
Michelle also appeared in the feature films Personal Services opposite Julie Walters, Empire State and Stephen Poliakoff’s Hidden City. Having been spotted on television by BBC producers Michelle was asked to audition for the popular soap EastEnders and won the role of Cindy Beale, originally intended to appear in just eleven episodes.
Michelle’s portrayal quickly proved popular with soap executives and viewers alike and she played the role of the villainous, serial-adulterer for over ten years, an integral character to numerous high-profile storylines cementing her reputation as one of the UK’s best-loved actresses.
Since leaving EastEnders Michelle swapped the Queen Vic for a different pub, to take up her role as Stella Rice, landlady of Coronation Street’s infamous Rovers Return. Michelle played the role for over two years before appearing in Casualty in a guest-starring role, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders.
Starring alongside her is The X Factor’s Chico, who became a household name as a finalist on the show’s second series. Not content with knocking Madonna off the top of the UK chart with his hit Chico Time he swapped singing for skating and captivated the nation with his spectacular routines and reached the final of ITV1’s Dancing on Ice. Since then he has appeared on numerous television shows and in several pantomimes, winning rave reviews for his performances.
Audiences can follow Jack, his hapless brother Silly Billy, as he climbs a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack (and his mother Dame Trot) as they fight to save the beautiful Jill, outwit the evil Giant and Fleshcreep and win riches beyond their wildest dreams, and the hand of the girl Jack loves.
Daryl Back, Executive Producer of this year’s production said: “I am delighted Michelle and Chico are starring in Jack and the Beanstalk at the White Rock. Not only are they both phenomenally talented and no strangers to the world of pantomime, their wealth of stage experience creates plenty of festive magic for Hastings theatregoers this festive season in a panto packed full of fun, laughter, special effects and audience participation.”
Gavin Shuman, Theatre Director at White Rock, Hastings said “We are proud to have this year’s pantomime spectacular, Jack and the Beanstalk, with two household names entertaining the huge audiences in Hastings this year. It is amazing that Michelle and Chico have taken to our legendary stage. As Hastings’ home of traditional family pantomime, we at the White Rock are excited that the thousands of pantomime fans that come through our doors each December are getting a true festive treat and real GIANT of a show.”
Jack and the Beanstalk at the White Rock Theatre, White Rock, Hastings TN34 1JX runs until Sunday 30th December 2018. Standard tickets are priced from £20 with a Family ticket (2 adults and 2 under 16’s) from £62. Tickets are on sale online at whiterocktheatre.org.uk, from the Ticket Office on 01424 462288 or in person at the venue.