THE curtain rises in Witley on a new version of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, just after the latest academic research revealed this week, that its origins are even earlier than originally thought.

The popular fairy tale can be traced back to a group of stories that apparently held audiences spellbound in prehistoric times, more than 5,000 years ago.

Ensuring the latest production continues to work its magic, dramatic new lighting effects for Witley Pantomime Company’s 59th production promise a giant beanstalk that “grows” on stage.

In addition to a fearsome giant, the 35-strong cast taking to the stage in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Chichester Hall, Witley, include a panto dame, a wicked witch, a good fairy and Buttercup the Cow.

The star of the show is Melanie-Anne Bellamy, who plays Jack. Joe Collins, who co-directs with Sindy Hammond-Jones, also enjoys a slice of the action in his role as Giant Blunderbore, while group chairman Dale Barrell is kept busy trying to put everything right as the Good Fairy.

“Joe is great as the giant as he’s very tall anyway,” Dale said. ” He’s helped by Lucy Egan as the evil witch and Billy ‘B.J.’ Duddell plays Dame Trot, Jack’s mum.

“We also have Buttercup The Cow, played by junior cast members Daisy Grant, front end, and Keira Hearsum, back end.

“We all have a great time each year. It’s Witley Pantomime Group’s 60th in 2017 and a lot of us have been with the company for a long time. I’ve been with the group for 14 years, Donna Carpenter has been with us for 27 years and Vanessa Butcher has been a member for even longer. Our percussionist John Sherrington has been with us for 37 years.”

The show runs from Wednesday, January 27 for four nights and a Saturday matinee, on January 30.

Tickets can be booked online at www.witleypanto.co.uk.