FeaturedIrelandPantomimeReview

Jack and the Beanstalk – dlr Mill Theatre, Dublin

Reviewer: Rachel Rafferty

Writer & Director: Geoff O’Keefe

Christmas would not be the same without the annual panto, a tradition that goes back for decades. In fact, a recent study found that most adults who would never go to a dramatic play in the theatre love pantomime, and taking the kids to one during the festive season is only an excuse so that they can go themselves. There is something magical about a good pantomime that appeals to people of all ages! The kids love it, and it takes the rest of us adults on a nostalgic journey right back to the bliss and sweet innocence of childhood when going to see the panto was as much a part of Christmas as Santa Clause and hanging up our stockings. Back then, the joy of pantomime was a mix of all things like the glitz and shimmer of the costumes sparkling under the bright lights, the showmanship, music and dancing. We love the banter, singing, comedy and probably most of all, the audience catchphrases and choruses!

In Jack and the Beanstalk, the talented Geoff O’Keefe (writer, director, and person who also does the voiceover of the evil giant, Bruno) brings another spectacular pantomime to the drl Mill theatre.

The intimate auditorium space of the Mill theatre is an ideal space for this laugh-a-minute immersive show. Not surprisingly, it was a packed house for the Sunday matinee performance the day we went. Myself, and my two young guests, Joji (8) and Aria (9) were in the back row, yet the sightlines were excellent in this small theatre.

The much-loved tale of the eponymous Jack is about a poor boy and his ill-fated encounters, escapes and victory over the wicked giant, who lives at the top of the beanstalk. The original fairy tale, which was first published in 1734, is given a contemporary twist. For example, Jack’s mother, hilariously played by the great Garry Mountaine, a seasoned hand at panto, is a poor widow, who is attempting to open her own keep fit business, while also continually on the look-out for a new man. The versatile Michael Lawless commands the stage as an endearing heroic Jack whose adventurous attempts to overcome his family’s penury are spiced up with other larger than life characters. Eimear Barr as Winnie the Moo, the cow Jack is forced to sell, and Isabel Horner as Nuggets the chicken are the perfect and funny foils for Riain Cash’s suitably sly performance of the evil Stinky McRinky. The show was even more entertaining by the addition of a tender and romantic love story. Grace Shesgreen in a flirtatious yet sweet performance plays Jill, Jack’s friend. Jack and Jill have been secretly in love for years, but neither of them has ever had the courage to tell the other, at least not until the end of the story. This is an epic adventure, comedic musical, rags to riches and love story all rolled in one. Climbing the beanstalk, escaping the giant and overcoming the nasty adversaries against him, brings Jack more than one reward. Not only is the golden egg the milk ticket that buys Jack and his mother wealth beyond all their dreams for the rest of their days, but in the process it also ‘gets him the girl!’

Well written with flawless direction, this just over one-hour show has it all: a funny script and witty one-liners interspersed with catchy songs and dance numbers. Virtuoso performances of the skilled ensemble of actors also includes lots of humorous interaction with the kids, even at one stage squirting them with water pistols. They loved it!

Joji’s favourite character was Jack. Aria loved Winnie the Moo best of all. We also met a lovely little boy, Max, who was there with his mom, and who also loved Jack best of all.

This is a must see! Go on, treat the kids and yourself to this fantasia of fun! You’ll love every minute of it. Oh yes you will!

Runs Until 5th January 2025.

The Review's Hub Score

Delightful

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The Ireland team is currently under the editorship of Laura Marriott. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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