Panto stars were really milking it as they got to grips with farming life at the launch of this year’s show.
The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk visited Home Farm at Temple Newsam yesterday, coming together for the first time ahead of rehearsals for the Christmas spectacular.
And the actors even got the chance to try their hand at milking a real life cow before posing with the panto version.
They included Marshall Lancaster, famous for his role as DC Chris Skelton in BBC smash hits Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes.
Composing himself after his close encounter with hulking bovine Fleur, Marshall said he couldn’t wait to play panto baddie Fleshcreep, the evil giant’s assistant, in the Carriageworks Theatre’s production.
He said: “It’s a great laugh and it’s fun to be winding people up. The noise of all those boos hits you like a jet engine when you’re on the stage and there’s a lot more things you can do as a bad guy.
“Leeds is a beautiful city and I’m looking forward to a night out here too.”
Also returning to the Carriageworks will be panto stalwart Jez Edwards, who will be appearing in Leeds for his fourth year in a row.
The TV and radio presenter said: “They called me up and said ‘we’ve got a part for you, it won’t be too much of a stretch- you’ll be playing Simple Simon!
“Panto really makes my Christmas to be honest, I’ve only had one year off and by Boxing Day I didn’t really know what to do with myself.
“To see all the kids coming in dressed up is brilliant and there’s nothing better than being on stage.
“I love Leeds as well, my fiancée is from Bingley and we met here. The people are great and when you’ve got the German Market here, it’s hard not to get in the Christmas spirit straight away.”
Jack and the Beanstalk will run from November 30 to January 5. Tickets are available now from the Carriageworks Theatre on Millennium Square, by calling 0113 224 3801 or online at: www.carriageworkstheatre.org.uk
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