It’s not just the beanstalk that’s green!

The audience at AJ Productions’ Jack and the Beanstalk at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre can expect all the usual jazz of a Christmas pantomime but with an important socially-conscious storyline and without the carbon footprint.

The show starts on 13th December and features Fai-re-cycle as she helps Jack and his friends discover how helping the environment can help them in return as they journey up the beanstalk in search of the Giant Thunderdraws.

Danny Posthill as Silly Billy, Aimee Cole as Fair-Re-Cycle, Gary Martin Davis as Dame Trott, Luke Adamson as Jack Trott and Charlotte Bradley as Jill

Silly Billy’s noseying through the recycling helps him find the key to bring down Fleshcreep’s evil plan and we all know what happens when the beans are thrown on the compost!

Not detracting from the ‘West-End’ production value, the script encompasses an entertaining educational view of modern day issues, making them accessible to a multigenerational audience.

AJ Productions have made a pledge to reduce the carbon footprint of the show by using less plastic waste and where possible using compostable consumables such as confetti, props and tickets.

They have also created a paperless rehearsal room and banned single-use plastic among the cast and crew. The use of ‘fast fashion’ is discouraged with outfits that are multi-purpose and able to be used on numerous actors as well as across multiple shows, minimising both production cost and waste.

Even the set hasn’t escaped a ‘green’ makeover, having been designed and produced in a workshop with an ALBERT award – a scheme launched to minimise the environmental impact of production and create a sustainable future within the entertainment industry.

Wherever possible, materials have been sourced locally and all wood used is Forest Stewardship Council certified.

Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre will also be taking an environmentally-friendly approach, using reusable, shatterproof glasses instead of single-use varieties, as well as adding recycling bins for audience members to use as they leave the venue.

The use of paperless tickets has also been encouraged, though paper copies are still available for those who feel more comfortable with a hard copy.

Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “We’re delighted to not only have a West-End quality production at the Town Hall Theatre this Christmas, but also one which considers sustainability and reduces its environmental impact, so that ‘the show can go on’ for future generations without leaving a large carbon footprint.”

Despite its green credentials, AJ Productions don’t feel that anything has been compromised by ‘going green’ and are confident that this is their best show yet.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from 13th–24th December and tickets are available online at www.culturehartlepool.com or from the Town Hall Theatre Box Office on 01429 890000, with prices starting from £15.