FOR many families, it is a special tradition to pay a yearly visit to the pantomime.

If it’s a tradition of yours and your families, then you’re in luck as Jack and the Beanstalk is coming to town.

Bringing laughs, sparkle, and plenty of music, the pantomime will take place at Parr Hall from January 5 to January 14.

After getting into big trouble with his mother after selling their hapless cow for a handful of beans, Jack’s dreams come true when they start to grow…and grow…and grow.

Audience members can join Jack on an adventure of a lifetime, as he outwits the giant and makes his fortune with a little help from his friends.

We spoke to some of the cast members ahead of the performance.

For Milkshake! presenter Amy Thompson, who is playing Jill Crumble, this is not her first time taking to the Parr Hall stage.

Talking about her return to Warrington, she said: “I have been here so many times with Milkshake! Live, and the audiences here are incredible.

“They are always really loud and supportive.

“I remember around this time last year we were doing a press day and I was just so excited about coming back to Warrington for panto because I thought we are in for a good treat here - and I wasn’t disappointed, it was amazing.

“So it is lovely to be back and excited to get going again.”

Warrington Guardian: Amy Thompson

The cast is hoping to create special memories for families across town.

Talking about what makes pantomime so special, Amy added: “Panto is just about having a good time and I think it is a really lovely time for families to come together.

“Usually it is a family tradition to go to the pantomime every year and that is what warms my heart - to see people of all ages including little tiny kids and then their grandparents there as well who would have grown up with panto when they were a child too, so it is just really special.”

Mark Newell, who is playing Dame Trott, grew up watching pantomimes.

So for him, it is especially important to put on a memorable show.

He told the Warrington Guardian: “For me, I grew up with panto and I think for most children, it is the first show they see as their introduction to theatre.

“It is just that feeling of when you’re young and you hold your parent’s hand when the baddie comes on because you’re scared and then you cheer and boo and all that stuff.

“Just seeing the reaction to us and vice versa, I think that is what makes it so special.”

Warrington Guardian:

Frank Simms agreed with his fellow cast members.

He added: "I think it is that traditional element that makes pantomime so special.

“It fundamentally hasn’t changed for a long time and it means that if you are coming along as a grandparent or a very young child, you are always reminiscing in a way.

“There is that collective enjoyment where those that have seen many a panto year in and year out will still be laughing along to the jokes while people coming to pantomime for the first time are discovering it all fresh and new and that combination of very different audience members makes it very exciting for everyone on the stage, everyone involved in the venue, and everyone in the audience as well.”