FEBRUARY 2026

Dec 6. Harpenden’s Panto reached new heights of entertainment! JACK & THE BEANSTALK

Saturday night’s Panto at the EMC was FE-FI-FO-FUN for all the family. Choreographed and scripted to appeal to children and adults, the music, dancing and jokes were a non stop way to get the audience laughing all through the performance. Plus a touch of romance to end the show.

THEO MAYNE from BBC ONE smash-hit TV series The Traitors played FLESHCREEP, and much loved Harpenden panto dame JOSH HANDLEY delighted the audience once more playing TILLY TROTT. Hero Jack (played by Chris Gannon) made a magical journey to Cloudland to save his best friend Daisy the Cow!

All helped with the King of Harpendia played by Clive Marlowe. Joe Johnston made his professional debut as Jack, Holly Elle Martin as Princess Jill and Rosie Winter as the magic Fairy.

The scenery, dazzling costumes and amazing special effects made the whole event a night to remember.

The Panto is performed on various days until Dec 30 with some dates fully booked. Best to check availability on line at The Eric Morecambe Centre booking office.

BIG THANKS TO NEVES, Harpenden Carnival Sponsors 2025.

Beth Woodward, Partner and Head of Divorce and Family Law at Neves Solicitors (Principal Sponsor of the event) said,

“We were thrilled to sponsor this year’s Christmas Carnival and to see such an incredible turnout from the Harpenden community. Having been part of Harpenden since 1957, we’re proud to feel so deeply connected to the area. This festive celebration truly brought people together, and we’re delighted to have played a part in making it a memorable event for all.”

Press Night Party after the Panto

Jack and the Beanstalk. EMC Dec 6th

A big thanks to all the team for such a great FIRST night.

Staff, Cast & Guests celebrated with drinks and special CAKE

in the bar where the performances of the cast were praised and

guests learned how all aspects of the Panto from scripts and jokes to songs and choreography were learned to perfection. Ensuring instant audience appeal with memories to linger over.

The party announcements were started by Kate Barton – Theatre Manager, EMC & The Alban Arena and Natasha Brooke – Director . Also attending were Harpenden Town Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Annie Brewster, award winning photographer Steve Collins and the Editor of Harpendia Magazine Ron Taylor.

The group photo below shows: Back row L-R

Daphne Passaris (Ensemble/Dancer)

Toby Collier (Ensemble/Dancer)

Holly Elle Martin (Princess Jill)

Kirsty Newman (Ensemble/Dancer)

Joseph Johnston (Jack)

Josh Handley (Tilly Trott)

Rosie Winter (Fairy Sunshine)

Noah Denny (Dancer/Ensemble)

Chris Gannon (Silly Simon)

Clive Marlowe (The King of Harpendia)

Charlie Vaughan (Dancer/Ensemble)