The Winding Wheel

Gladiators’ Giant to appear in Chesterfield pantomime this Christmas

This year’s Chesterfield Theatres pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk is on course to reach rarely seen heights as the production will star BBC One’s Gladiator, Giant.

Standing at over six feet tall, IFBB Pro League bodybuilder Jamie Christian-Johal, aka the dueling Giant from the Saturday night hit show, will bring his towering presence to the Winding Wheel stage from 5 December when he steps into the role of the larger-than-life pantomime Giant.

With menace and mayhem, audiences can expect a twist in the tale as Jack Trott’s giant enemy will be ready to defeat any contenders getting too close to the magical beanstalk.

Away from Gladiators, Jamie has appeared on Comic Relief, This Morning, Blue Peter, and Celebrity The Weakest Link in addition to appearances in live events such as Truckfest and Snap Fitness.

He was crowned the British Superheavyweight Champion in 2015, and in 2018, he earned his IFBB Pro status. Since then, he’s competed internationally, securing a top six finish at the 2022 Arnold Classic.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs throughout the festive period until 4 January 2026. Starring alongside Jamie is the very funny Patrick Monahan as Simon Trott. A comedy favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with his blend of high-energy performance and hilarious topical observations, he continues to be a huge hit across the UK. Once seen, never forgotten, Patrick guarantees an effortless connection with the young and old, making him a favorite comedian for everyone.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman, for Paul Holman Associates, said: “It’s fantastic to have Jamie on board, bringing his incredible strength and energy to the show. You can’t ask for a bigger or better Giant so we’re very excited to see the character grow!”

He also mentioned: “Patrick Monahan is the perfect choice to bring the comedy, ensuring there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.”

And it won’t just be magic beans in this pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Magician Nicholas Lee and his assistant Rachel O’Hare will bring the battle of good over evil to life with their unique spells and wizardry in the roles of the devilish Fleshcreep and the enchanting Spirit of Cloudland. Will they have the power to shrink a Giant? There’s only one way to find out!

Pantomime audiences, ready? Tickets are on sale for Jack and the Beanstalk at: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/

Find out more about upcoming events and activities in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Events to celebrate 100 years of entertainment at the Winding Wheel Theatre

A series of events and activities are planned to celebrate a century of entertainment at the Winding Wheel Theatre in September.

On Sunday 10 September from 7pm there will be a Centenary Gala Concert to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building opening. This will feature performances from nine different local theatre schools, performing arts groups and theatre companies, and will be compered by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist impressionist Tony Rudd, with a special guest appearance from comedy legend Bernie Clifton who lives locally.

From 11 September to 15 September there will be cinema screenings showing a film from each decade over the last 100 years to celebrate A Century of Cinema, since the building opened. These were selected through a public vote in June. Classic films being shown are Metropolis, The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, The Bridge On The River Kwai, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Godfather, Chariots of Fire, The Full Monty, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Paddington.

There will also be a free exhibition with objects and photos telling the story of the last 100 years and exclusive tours of the building including the backstage areas.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Winding Wheel Theatre has a rich history in our town and residents of all ages will have fantastic memories of performances they have seen at the venue over the years. We’ve made sure there is something for everyone to enjoy and join in the centenary celebrations.”

Originally built in 1923 for the Chesterfield Picture House Company it was intended to be the most luxurious destination in the town. As well as a cinema the building also housed an elegant ballroom and silver service restaurant.

In 1937 it was renamed as the Odeon but maintained the lavish interiors. In the 1970s the Ballroom was used as a well-known disco venue.

The cinema closed in 1981 before being taken over by Chesterfield Borough Council and reopening as an entertainment venue in 1987. Since then, it has hosted live music, conferences, theatre productions and cinema screenings.

In March 2023 Chesterfield Civic Society installed a Blue Plaque on the Grade II listed building to mark its historical importance in the town.

Tickets for the Centenary Gala Concert are £19.20 and confirmed performers include Academy of Dance, Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra, Chesterfield Operatic Society, Chesterfield Studios, Diana Bradbury Theatre Dance School, Directions Theatre Arts, Gekkota Arts, Rumpus Theatre Company and Wise Owl Theatre Company.

Cinema performances are £5.20 per ticket but visitors can also book tickets for all centenary films for just £20.20. Tours of the building are free but must be pre-booked.

Tickets for the concert, cinema screenings and tours of the building can be booked on the Chesterfield Theatres website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/100

Winding-Wheel

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‘The Governess’ from popular quiz show The Chase to appear in Chesterfield’s 2023 pantomime

Chesterfield’s pantomime will see a familiar face on stage this year, with Anne Hegerty, star of popular TV game show The Chase set to headline the 2023 production.

Panto producer Paul Holman Associates has announced that Anne will be part of the cast of Aladdin at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre this Christmas.

Instantly recognisable as The Governess from ITV’s long running, multi-award-winning teatime TV programme, Anne Hegerty is a firm favourite with millions of fans of The Chase, both in the UK and Australia.

She has also appeared in I’m a Celebrity, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Take Away, Loose Women, This Morning and Celebrity Juice, to name just a few of the popular programmes.

Last year, Anne was on our screens in ITV’s DNA Journey and Cooking with the Stars. This year, the quizzer and TV personality will be showing Aladdin who rules at the Winding Wheel Theatre in Chesterfield from 1 December to 2 January, when she brings her governess greatness to the role of empress!

As the character responsible for allowing Aladdin to marry, she’ll be going head-to-head with the hero of this pantomime and encouraging him to be a cash builder.

Paul Holman, producer of this year’s pantomime, said: “Anne is no stranger to pantomime and I’m thrilled she’s headlining this stunning production at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre. Her presence on stage as the empress is certainly going to be imposing and impressive and I know audiences are in for a real treat!”

Further star casting will be announced later this year.

Tickets are on sale for Aladdin at the Chesterfield Theatres box office by calling 01246 345 222 or online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

Chesterfield’s pantomime is one of many fantastic event lined up for the town in 2023. Find out more about the wide range of exciting events coming to the town throughout the year at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

anne hegerty

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