Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and The Beanstalk is a classic fairy tale that has been retold countless times, but its charm lies in how each production finds new ways to bring the familiar story to life. This pantomime embraced that challenge with enthusiasm, delivering a performance filled with humour, energy, and a clear love for the tradition of panto. From the moment the curtain rose, it was obvious that the cast and creative team were committed to giving the audience a lively, colourful, and thoroughly entertaining evening.

One of the strongest elements of the production was the humour. This pantomime brought great comedy to the stage because it didn’t rely solely on the usual panto tropes, though those were certainly present, but instead layered in fresh jokes, physical comedy, and clever character interactions. The cast had a natural rapport with one another, and their timing was sharp, which made even the silliest moments land well with the audience. The children in the crowd were laughing throughout, but so were the adults, which is always a good sign that the humour is hitting the right balance.

I have to say that the Musical Direction by Jamie McGillivray was fantastic. His live musical accompaniment brought the right volume, tempo, and emotional tone to each piece of music. Because the music was performed live, it added a richness and immediacy that pre‑recorded tracks simply can’t match. McGillivray’s sensitivity to the pacing of each scene meant that the songs never felt rushed or dragged out; instead, they supported the storytelling beautifully. His work elevated the entire production.

Opening the show was the musical number One Short Day, which was very well received by the audience. The cast delivered powerful vocals, and the choreography was both clever and well‑executed. What made it particularly impressive was how effectively the performers used the staging they had. The movement was dynamic without ever feeling cluttered, and the transitions were smooth. It set the tone for the rest of the show vibrant, confident, and full of personality.

I have to say that the costumes, single handedly made by Mary Millard were fantastic, I liked the bright colours used and how the costumes fitted the performers perfectly, the cow costume was great, Mary you certainly do have a talent!

One moment I particularly enjoyed was the whole sequence of “getting the Dame ready” on stage. That was a new one for me, and I loved how it brought something different to the performance. Instead of the Dame simply appearing in full costume, the audience got to watch the transformation unfold in real time. It was playful, chaotic in the best way, and a great example of how this production wasn’t afraid to try something fresh. It also helped build a connection between the Dame and the audience early on.

Simple Simon, played by Giada De Rosa, was a standout. Her voice projection and energy on stage were excellent, and although she is a youth performer, Giada delivered her character with remarkable confidence. Her ability to interact with the audience was natural and engaging, and she handled the comedic moments with real skill. She clearly understood the rhythm of panto humour, and her enthusiasm was infectious.

Jack Trott, played by Coleane Buckley, brought warmth and likability to the role. Buckley’s performance had a sincerity that grounded the more chaotic moments of the show. Her singing was strong, and she carried herself with the assurance of someone who knows how to command a stage. Jack’s journey can sometimes feel overshadowed by the louder, more comedic characters in panto, but Buckley ensured that Jack remained a central, compelling presence.

Snot, played by Lena Lisiecka, and Bogie, played by Crystal English, were a brilliant comedy duo. Their rapping segments were unexpected and genuinely funny, adding a modern twist that the audience clearly enjoyed. Their chemistry was excellent they bounced off each other effortlessly, and their physical comedy was sharp. They brought a youthful energy to the show that kept things lively.

Dame Trott, played by James Gordon, was everything you want from a panto Dame: bold, hilarious, and larger than life. Gordon’s comedic instincts were spot‑on, although some nerves at the beginning he soon had the audience in the palm of his hand. His delivery, expressions, and improvisational moments were highlights of the evening. The Dame is often the heart of a pantomime, and Gordon embraced that responsibility with gusto.

Jill, played by Mia Arnold, was another strong performer. Mia’s vocals were powerful and confident, and she brought a lovely charm to the role. Her scenes with Jack were sweet without being overly sentimental, and her stage presence was assured. She handled both the musical and acting demands of the role with ease.

Slimeball, played by Tim Henshaw, was the perfect villain. He brought about those boos and hisses from the audience because he leaned fully into the role’s wickedness while still keeping it fun. His exaggerated sneers, dramatic gestures, and gleeful villainy made him a joy to watch. A good panto needs a villain the audience loves to hate, and Henshaw delivered exactly that.

I do just have to say that Act 1 felt a little too long for me. Don’t get me wrong, there were some smashing moments, and the cast worked hard to keep the energy up, but the pacing dragged at times. Some of the dialogue scenes felt quite lengthy, particularly moments where exposition took centre stage instead of action or humour. A tighter edit would have helped maintain momentum and kept younger audience members more engaged. Act 2, by contrast, moved at a much snappier pace, which made the length of Act 1 even more noticeable.

Overall, though, this production of Jack and the Beanstalk was full of heart, humour, and talent. The cast gave committed performances, the music was excellent, and the creative choices brought freshness to a well‑loved story. With a little tightening in the first half, it would be even stronger but as it stands, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre, thank you once again for your warm greeting and hospitality.

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