It is often said that a panto is a child’s first experience of live theatre. If that is truly the case then this production of Jack and The Beanstalk at Buxton Opera House will be the perfect starting point to a young person’s theatrical journey. Its family-friendly approach will be enjoyed by multiple generations and continues the Opera House’s reputation for top-class festive fun.
Dame Trot (James Holmes) is in a terrible financial strait and has no idea how she will pay off the mounting bills and keep her sons Jack (Toby Shellard) and Spot (Aiden Bailey) happy. It appears that the only way out of the predicament is to sell Pat the Cow.
Jack is entrusted with the task but – despite being told by his mother that he must get a good price for the much-loved animal – he is tricked by a disguised Mrs Blunderbore (Catherine Pugh) into parting with Pat for a handful of beans.
The sale may not have immediately brought its rewards but life seems to be looking up for the Trots. The arrival of a goose that lays golden eggs seems to have solved the money problems and Princess Louise (Ruby Hewitt) has taken a shine to Jack.
Blunderbore is determined to wreck the new-found happiness as she seeks ways to seize the Princess to become wife to the Giant and it seems that there will be no happy ever after for Jack. Will those beans come in handy? And will the goodness of Fairy Nuff (Cait O’Malley) be sufficient to overcome the evil.
Paul Kerryson’s production provides a fun vehicle to answer those questions with some lively choreography and well-chosen songs as musical accompaniment is provided by a band under the Direction of Rickey Long.
There is also a well-chosen cast. Holmes must surely be one of the best dames in the business as he flirts with the audience and the onlooker can believe that there is another gear in reserve if required with a rowdier audience.
Shellard and Hewitt make a very believable pairing with the former showing all-round talent and Hewitt having ample opportunity to showcase her lovely vocals. She also looks the perfect panto princess in costumes designed by Leanne Fitchett.
Bailey is loved by the audience as he reprises his “Buttons” role and Pugh puts in a very strong performance as the villain who has the younger members loudly hissing and booing.
With well-performed appearances from O’Malley and a lively ensemble this is a show that is very easy on the eye and ear. It has all the elements that a panto requires with lots of audience participation and opportunity to scream “It’s behind you” and “Oh no it isn’t” all of which took the mind off the dreadful weather outside.
Every panto needs at least one wow moment and Jack and the Beanstalk delivers in spades. Without giving too much away, the audience produced squeals of delight in a giant moment of this production.
Buxton Opera House’s pantomimes have become a must-see of the festive period and Jack and the Beanstalk adds to the long list of successes. With music and movement, song and dance, a beautiful feel-good factor and humour that is intended to caress the chuckle-buds rather than embarrass (unless you are the butt of Holmes’ banter, that is) this is traditional panto par excellence.
Well done the Opera House. You have proved that beans can truly be good for you.
Jack and the Beanstalk has a running time of approximately 2 hours 5 minutes including interval and continues until January 1st. For ticket information contact 01298 72190
