The show did go on for Perth Theatre’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk after two days of panto performances were cancelled due to a COVID outbreak among the cast.
The colourful extravaganza, running from November 25 to December 31, was called off on Tuesday and Wednesday with organisers getting in touch with ticket-holders.
But thanks to the cast’s understudies and a new face filling in, the production has managed to put the disruption ‘behind them’ and enthrall audiences for its final dates.
Showing at 2pm and 7pm yesterday, today and Saturday, Tiger Mitchell and Tia Bobbi Henry have stepped in to deliver the lead roles of Jack and the ‘Baddie’ respectively, replacing Kirsty Findlay and Helen Logan.
Joining the cast to save the day as the Mysterious Man is Peter Collins, who returns to Perth Theatre following his roles as Lord Hastings in 2018’s Richard III and Hector in 2019 panto, Sinbad.
The 2022 Jack and the Beanstalk show is written and directed by the show’s panto ‘dame’ Barrie Hunter, who plays Lettie Lou, with the script touching on themes of global warming.
But theatre-goers were left disappointed on Tuesday after Perth Theatre announced the cancellation on Facebook just an hour before the curtain was to be raised.
Organisers posted: “We apologise for the short notice – the team were putting in their best effort to make the show work with a reduced cast, but it hasn’t been possible.
“We’re sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience caused, and we hope you’ll join us in wishing our cast mates a speedy recovery.”
But after the good news that the panto would finish its run, chief executive of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall Nick Williams said: “We always strive to give our audiences the best possible experience and we’re delighted to confirm that Jack and the Beanstalk will resume from Thursday until Hogmanay thanks to the incredible determination of Tiger, Tia, the remainder of the cast and new recruit Peter, who is rehearsing overnight.
“Ticket-holders who have unfortunately missed out have been contacted directly with a range of options.
“Perth Theatre panto has been an essential part of a Perth family Christmas for many years, so we were devastated to cancel these performances at such short notice.
“We appreciate that this was exceptionally disappointing for ticket-holders, but it is equally important that our performers rest and recover, and we would like to send our best wishes and heartfelt thanks to the cast members who have been forced to pull out.’’
