“Weisz’s formula includes teaming a small professional cast with local children. The productions are high quality but touchable, a perfect access point for young first-time theatre-goers.” The Stage

Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts are pleased to be handing over our space this Christmas to JW Productions for The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio. We speak to director James Weisz about his career as a director and producer of the pantomime tradition. The show will run here from 20 December to 6 January.

Why did you get involved with theatre?

One of the very first stage performances I attended was The Fantastic Mr. Fox at the Gardner Arts Centre (now named Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts). I was only a few years old yet I still remember being completely captivated by the story, the action and the excitement of the play. It was my introduction to theatre and from that moment on, my love for it has never faded. It doesn’t matter what genre, I’ll be there at the drop of a hat, and I’ll travel far and wide to get there!

In the mid-1990’s, I attended a theatre Summer school on the University of Sussex campus, with a final performance at the end of the week on the (then called) Gardner stage. From 2001-5 I worked in the chorus, and then it was the leap to stage management for me at Christmas. Thus, began my career in theatre.

Is this why you decided to come to perform with us?

Yes! It is such a thrill to be able to bring our Christmas show here. It’s a wonderful feeling of going full circle and it feels completely right to be bringing a production ‘home’. The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio is an unusual tale that feels – to me – a perfect fit for Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. For this show we are collaborating with Brighton’s The Circus Project who will be bringing stunning aerial acrobatics and general fun to the production.

How would you describe the show to be?

Well, rehearsals have begun and are as exciting and full of energy as we had hoped. The joy of pantomime is the diverse nature of it. Yes, we are delivering a well-crafted and well performed story, but it’s a medium that allows everyone to have fun too. Come along for a night with a wealth of comedy, a diverse range of music and musical styles, along with boo-able villains and cheer-able heroes. So, no matter what age you are, I am sure you’ll enjoy it. Fall into the panto magic, bring out the child within, sing along with the festive tunes, and I dare you not to have a big smile on your face by the final curtain. 

Remember, young people, don’t tell fibs or your noses will grow! Season’s greetings.