07 Dec 2025
I am, and always have been, a faithful… supporter of local theatre. Perhaps surprisingly, the addition of The Traitors star Theo Mayne to the cast of this year’s Harpenden panto did not prompt a flurry of references to the hit BBC TV show, even when he donned a long black hooded cloak.
With an extensive background in musical theatre, Theo proves he is much more than a reality show star, comfortably holding his own as the charismatic and camp Fleshcreep, evil henchman to the giant Blunderbore in Polka Dot Productions’ new version of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Clad in a sparkly emerald frockcoat and dark green velvet trousers, he struts across the stage with effortless confidence, justifying his boos and hisses and delivering his lines with malevolent gusto.
So the absence of Claudia Winkleman and lack of any Banishment Ceremony at the Eric Morecambe Centre is soon forgotten, as the audience is transported to a fairytale version of Harpenden struggling with its tax burden to an obnoxious ogre.
The shortage of any motorised transport in the town means the King of Harpendia (Clive Marlowe) can’t introduce any parking charges to make up his deficit, and instead has to call in the debts of his devoted citizens.
This means poor widow Tilly Trott (Josh Handley returning as the Dame for another year) and her sons Jack (Joe Johnson) and “Silly” Simon (Chris Gannon) have no option but to trade in their beloved bovine Daisy, not realising it will trigger a catalyst of events culminating in the growth of a rather large bean plant…
There’s no need to go over the plot of this perennial pantomime production – and we won’t be spilling the beans about any of the extra surprises – but it’s a triumphant tour de force from start to finish, once again highlighting how the EMC shows are a far cry from the efforts once seen at the Public Halls.
Josh arguably steals the show as the larger-than-life Tilly, whose array of dresses grows ever-more outrageous each year, particularly the Heinz outfit towards the end.
As you might expect, he targets an unsuspecting member of the audience sitting in the front row as his boyfriend for the night, and kudos to victim Freddie for being an exceptional sport throughout the course of our performance… (One more time: “I’ve got the Trotts!”)
Meanwhile, newcomer Joe is a confident and brave Jack, with a frisson of believable chemistry in his relationship with Holly Elle Martin’s Princess Jill. Chris Gannon provides entertaining comic relief as his bumbling brother Simon, and Rosie Winter excels as Fairy Sunshine, proving a worthy adversary to Fleshcreep in their scenes together.
Credit should also go to the five dancers who portrayed both the villagers and Blunderbore’s minions, whirling around the EMC’s rather confined stage as if they were in an episode of Strictly.
The gags come fast and furious, with plenty of digs at the less salubrious towns around Harpenden like Luton and Hatfield, and an equal array of cringe-worthy puns for good measure.
A particular favourite was Tilly’s comparing her two boys: Jack – one in a million – and Simon – won in a raffle, but that’s the only spoiler you’re getting.
The choice of songs this year included classics like Dreamgirls’ One Night Only and Bonnie Tyler’s I Need A Hero, but the decision to include popular numbers from Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters was a genius move, as the audience embraced the opportunity to sing along with Soda Pop and Golden, as well as Rosé and Bruno Mars’ much loved APT and Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club.
A veritable who’s who of Harpenden were in the audience for the opening night, including Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Annie Brewster, award-winning photographer Steve Collins and Harpendia magazine editor Ron Taylor, all of whom immersed themselves wholeheartedly in the music and madness of the show.
We are unquestionably blessed in the St Albans district to have a choice of two exceptional Christmas pantomimes, and although the EMC’s is often overshadowed by its Alban Arena equivalent, the last few years has proved it can more than hold its own in terms of performances, script and production values. Cool beans indeed.
