Christopher Biggins to be joined by
MILKSHAKE! presenter Kiera-Nicole Brennan
and comedian Rikki Jay
Following last year’s announcement that pantomime legend Christopher Biggins will star as ‘Dame Trot’ in the
Orchard Theatre’s magical pantomime, the Kent venue is pleased to announce additional star casting for the
Christmas 2021 production.
Children’s TV presenter Kiera-Nicole Brennan joins the cast as Princess Apricot. The youngest person ever to anchor
the popular Channel 5 children’s show Milkshake!, Kiera-Nicole made her television debut aged just eighteen years
old. Having studied at the prestigious BRIT school she was quickly snapped up by Channel 5 who invited her to be
their brand-new presenter. In addition to her television work she has also regularly appears live on stage in
Milkshake Live! and has starred in numerous pantomimes.
Comedian Rikki Jay completes the star line up as Silly Simon. With a television career launched from ITV’s The Big
Big Talent Show, Rikki went on to appear on comedy programmes across UK television including The Big Stage, Jay
Walking and Gagging For It and is a regular on Sky TV. Rikki has been a mainstay of pantomime for a number of
years starring alongside the biggest names in UK theatre and television. Rikki also regularly entertains global
audiences on board the QE2 and world cruises, in cabaret venues across the United States, and has entertained
British troops across the Middle East and the Falkland Islands.
They join Christopher Biggins. A mainstay of entertainment for a number of decades, Biggins made his pantomime
debut aged just 17 in his home town of Salisbury before forging a highly successful career in show business.
Best known for his numerous iconic television appearances, Biggins appeared opposite the late Ronnie Barker in the BBC
sitcom Porridge, held roles in Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, appeared alongside Michael Crawford in Some
Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and played Nero in the critically acclaimed dramatisation of I, Claudius.
Despite his serious roles, and never one to not entertain, Biggins is also known and well-loved for his hosting credits, including co-hosting Surprise, Surprise, On Safari, appearing on numerous celebrity specials and as King of the Jungle having won
ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2007.
On stage he has starred as The Baker in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, played Herod in Jesus Christ and the Baron in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the West End. It is pantomime for which Biggins is most-loved, entertaining thousands of festive theatregoers every year since he began his regular panto appearances in the mid-80s. From Glasgow to Plymouth,
Biggins has donned a host of outrageous frocks and had audiences in stitches across the UK ever since.
The production is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the company
behind pantomimes at the Orchard Theatre for the past twelve years.
Jack and the Beanstalk will be a fun-filled Christmas extravaganza telling the fairy tale of a poor local lad who goes
on a fantastic adventure up a beanstalk where fortune lies. This production will be the perfect festive panto with a
fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy and stunning scenery. Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum, a giant of a Panto this way
comes.
Ticket Office: 01322 220000
info@orchardtheatre.co.uk
orchardtheatre.co.uk
Jack and The Beanstalk will run at the Orchard Theatre from Sat 11 Dec 2021 – Sun 2 Jan 2022.
Pre-show dining is also available before the show. The Orchard Theatre’s Restaurant provides a delicious range of,
unique and memorable dishes, using the freshest local produce and prepared daily by the Head Chef. Reserve your
table when booking your show tickets.
To book tickets or for more information visit orchardtheatre.co.uk.