A popular panto star has praised changes to Lichfield’s theatre following a controversial change in management.
Jimmy Cricket is thrilled with alterations made to the Garrick, following the appointment of artistic director Adrian Jackson. Mr Jackson took over from Paul Everitt, who resigned in June after suspension from his post in January.
Mr Everitt was suspended over “confidential employment matters” but an investigation has now been dropped.
Irish comic Jimmy is getting ready to appear in Jack and the Beanstalk at the theatre from December 7.
“It is nice to be working with Adrian Jackson, he is a great guy and is doing a great job as artistic director,” he said.
“The first thing he did was to get a stage door put in place so performers can come and go as they please.
“He has also modernised the dressing rooms and made them a lot more inviting - if you are comfortable backstage you can give your best out front.
“And he has created a jazz room further up - he has got all sorts of innovative ideas to keep the theatre on the up.”
It is Jimmy’s third time in panto at the Garrick.
He was Buttons in Cinderella for the Garrick’s first pantomime in 2003 and Wishee Washee in Aladdin in 2004. Jimmy missed last year but is back to take the lead role of Jack.
“I am deliriously happy to be back as I was getting withdrawal symptoms,” he said.
He added it was a traditional, clean pantomime for the whole family, with a dash of slapstick and a couple of pop songs in the middle.
Last year’s panto, which Jimmy did not appear in and was directed by Mr Everitt, was labelled as racist and sexually explicit.
Jimmy will co-star this year with comic Lizzie Wiggins and radio presenter Malcolm Boyden.
Up to 20 Lichfield children have the chance to appear in the panto. Auditions are being held for dance schools on October 7.
By Victoria Hoe
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