Theatr Clywd’s acclaimed rock ‘n’ roll panto returns this Christmas with a brand new script by Christian Patterson. The panto will have lots of slapstick comedy, a sparking stage and crazy frocks. Jack And The Beanstalk runs from 22 November – 18 January 2020.
The Artiscape spoke with Peter Mooney who is playing Jack in Theatr Clwyd’s pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk. ·
He previously appeared in Dick Whittington – The Purrrrrfect Rock ‘N’ Roll Panto. Other theatre credits include Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Watermill Theatre and tour), A Midsummer Night’s Nap (The Garage) and Once (The New Wolsey Theatre/Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch).
Why did you want to be part of Theatr Clywd’s pantomime?
Mooney: I’d seen it a few years ago (I think in 2015) and absolutely loved it. It was raucous, mischievous and just spectacular. So when I had the opportunity to audition for Dick Whittington last year, then to come back for Jack this year I was so thrilled to think I’d get to be a part of the madness and joy!
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Mooney: Jack is a lovely lad really. Not the bravest – it’s usually Jill who you can find shouting back at the giant – but his heart’s always in the right place. He loves his family and his dear old cow, Daisy.
He’s very warm and friendly I think! Loves the chance to chat to the audience and include them on whatever the day’s events are! Himself and Jill have been friends since they were kids and only during the course of the show do they realise there may be more than just friendship.
I think they compliment each in a really lovely way and their relationship develops quite beautifully (I hope!).
How did you prepare for the role?
Mooney: To be honest, I didn’t really … let me qualify that! In panto, so much is developed and discovered in the rehearsal room that I try not to make too many choices before we start. Obviously I’d read the script and had a fair idea of what kind of a guy Jack was.
I really like allowing new things to surprise and inform me over the course of the 5 weeks we rehearse. On a practical level, there’s a pretty intense climbing sequence at the end of act 1 (no spoilers!), so I knew I needed to be ready for that … I happen to be a keen climber anyway – as is Jess, who plays Jill and is the other half of the set piece – so I was nothing but very excited at the prospect of that!
What are you most looking forward to about performing?
Mooney: The relationship to the audience. The banter that we as a cast can have with each other and with them is truly unique to panto. I spend much of the rest of the year doing things like Shakespeare and it’s such a joy to acknowledge and include an audience in the way panto allows.
It means no two shows are ever the same and in a quite heavy and potentially tiring schedule, that is what keeps me going and it gives a wonderful sense of mischief and excitement to the whole run.
What do you think an audience will take away from the play?
Mooney: Hopefully a massive smile on their faces! It’s not about big ideas, or changing anyone’s political outlook, it’s just good old fashioned craic for a couple of hours. It’s so heartwarming to talk to families that have been coming to Theatr Clwyds panto year in year out.
So if those people leave the theatre feeling wholesome, delighted that they’ve completed a lovely festive tradition and looking forward to next year already, then I think we’ll have done our jobs well enough!
Jack And The Beanstalk runs from 22 November – 18 January 2020. Join Jack’s moo-sical journey up the beanstalk in this giant, magical, egg-cellent adventure!
