A GIANT of a panto is promised at Glusburn Institute as more than 50 children and young people take to the stage.

Jack and the Beanstalk is the title of this year’s family show at the arts and community centre during the February half-term holidays.

Local people are invited to follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of magical proportions to a land in the sky.

Jason Smith, one of the organisers, said the panto would be a spectacular, unmissable treat for all the family.

He said: “We have some fantastic traditional panto musical numbers, as always complemented with some more up-to-date ‘modern’ songs.

“The script has been written once again by Simonne Nommik and has been directed by Philip Gamble and Mark Nommik with choreography from Teona Gott and Amber Golsby. Musical direction is by Corey Kilshaw with vocal and musical support by Laurence Lorriman.

“Well over 100 hours of rehearsals go into the production of the panto and the young people have worked so hard over the past few months. The show really deserves a full house every night.”

Jason said tickets for the opening Sunday matinee sold out almost immediately, and he expected a sell-out for the matinee on the closing Saturday.

The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk includes Ellie Wilson as Jack, Emily Cramby as Jill, Faith Jordan as Fleshcreep, Maddie Stevens as the King and Lewis Kilburn as Dottie.

Also playing principal roles are Jess Yeadon (Simon), Beatrice Trowers (Sue), Isobel Smith (Fairy) Gracie Gray (Gypsy), and Lauren Wilson and Hayley Jordan as Grabbit and Gottit.

Jack and the Beanstalk will be presented from Sunday, February 11 to Saturday, February 17.

Visit gicac.org.uk or call 01535 630223 to book tickets for all events at Glusburn Institute Community and Arts Centre.

Also coming up in 2018 at the venue are cinema screenings, theatre performances, concerts and a magic show.

The Damned United is a drama telling the story of Brian Clough, who in 1974 takes charge of Leeds United, a team he hated and despised for years. Performances are March 2 and 3.

The film My Cousin Rachel will be screened on March 9, based on the novel by British author Daphne du Maurier and tells the story of a young Englishman who plots revenge against his mysterious, beautiful cousin, believing she has murdered his guardian.

Broadway Spectacular will be staged on May 19. A cast of ten professional international performers will present a selection of songs from the best musicals of all time.

Call 01535 630223 or visit gicac.org.uk to book tickets.