EM Forster Theatre’s panto a ‘giant’ success  

This year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk at Tonbridge School’s EM Forster Theatre delighted audiences, smashed box office records and raised thousands of pounds for two local charities. Nearly 13,000 people came to a total of 39 performances during its three-week run.

Returning to the EM Forster Theatre for the third year, Wicked Productions’ show was packed with slapstick, special effects, sparkling dance numbers, pop songs, colourful sets, lively audience participation and plenty of traditional panto magic. 

Bucket collections were taken after each performance for two local charities, ellenor and Chasing Connor’s Cure, raising more than £3,200.

A leading provider in specialist palliative and end of life care, ellenor is the only charity in Kent providing hospice care for people of all ages in their place of choice.

Chasing Connor’s Cure is a Hildenborough-based charity funding enhanced therapy and research to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It was set up by local parents, whose son Connor was diagnosed with Duchenne in 2016.

Clare Crawford, from Chasing Connor’s Cure, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have benefited from this partnership with the theatre and Wicked Productions. The money raised will go towards funding research into finding a cure for this cruel, life-limiting disease, to save Connor and boys like him.”

Kat Portman Smith, Theatre Manager, added: “We are thrilled that the donations raised so much money for two very special local charities. We’ve had so many fantastic comments from audiences who came to Jack and the Beanstalk. For many, the panto is part of their family Christmas tradition, and we love to see generations of families and friends enjoying coming to the theatre together. We are already busy planning next year’s pantomime, which will be bigger and better than ever.”