Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield – until 6 January 2018. Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
5*****
Following the successful run of Cinderella last Christmas; Joyce Branagh and Andrew Pollard collaborate and bring their second professional pantomime, Jack & The Beanstalk, to Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. As expected, theatregoers are welcomed and entertained with popular festive songs and a colourful and glittery stage awaits one for the anticipated performance.
Jack & The Beanstalk is a popular fairy tale – about a poor boy and his widowed mother who depends on their cow, Buttercup, for their income. When the cow no longer produces milk, it is exchanged for magic beans which lead to adventures unknown via a beanstalk. It is certainly a good choice for the tale to be told pantomime style.
A traditional pantomime has something for everyone and this production is no exception. Fortuna (Heather Phoenix) serves as a narrator/fairy and is mentor to Jack (Thomas Cotran) and magically guides him to adventures beyond. Jack is always remembered with his presence of “My name is Jack, sing it back” with the audience’s response, “Jack, Jack, Jack”. Keeping with tradition there is always a dame and Jack’s father, Dame Dorothy Trott (Robin Simpson) make her presence with outrageous costumes and her tongue in cheek manner linking to innuendos and adult references. The audience responds to her “You Wotty” to “Here’s Dotty” when she makes her presence.
There are localised references with “Ey Up!” and a mention of Huddersfield Town football club and of course references to current affairs, politics, celebrities, pop stars, fashions and brands that people can relate to. The script is written well and fits into story with the trimmings of a pantomime and its characters.
Rebekah Hughes, the musical director, arranges effectively the music including popular songs and medleys. A medley of songs from Queen, at the end of the first act, is used appropriately for an important but somewhat risky journey Jack needs to make in order to rescue Jill (Megan Turner) from the perils of Nightshade (James McLean). The singing and dancing are arranged harmoniously by Rachel Gee, the production choreographer, and the colourful costumes and staging, kaleidoscope the story telling and entertaining. Sing- a-longs are strongly encouraged and of course the infamous pantomime lines, “Oh no you’re not”, “Oh yes I am” and Shout Outs are backed with “Brussels sprouts”.
Of course there is always a villain in the pantomime which is courtesy of Nightshade and his entrance is combined with a “Strictly Come Dancing” theme combined with a familiar villainous tune. McLean ensures his character has the maximum spotlight and does this well amid a shout of “Boos”. However the stand out character must be Dame Dorothy Trott and Simpson’s performance is certainly entertaining with hilarity from beginning to end. The cast on the whole are excellent and work so well together.
Like many fairy tales there are happy endings and Jack and the Beanstalk is no different. Certainly a happy ending to a very happy evening. Glitter Pantomimes must take pride with their stunning glittering sets and costumes (including its life size cow and giant) and contributes towards a sparkling evening of festive fun and frolics. An excellent production certainly worth booking to see during the Christmas season.