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Jack and the Beanstalk – Theatre Royal, St Helens

Reviewer: Gill Lewis

Writer: Reece Sibbald

Director: Chantelle Nolan

Forget the doldrums of pre-Christmas stress with this assortment of silliness, never a dull moment as we’re swept away on this non-stop bumper ride of funny frolics.

The town of St Helens is currently celebrating its past, and building its future, as part of its recognition as the Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture 2023. A prestigious affair, but besides whatever else the town has to offer as part of its rich and diverse heritage, is its placing in the great British theatrical tradition that is Pantomime. This is where St Helens, particularly the Theatre Royal, really excels, in its ability to put on a side-splitting panto, and there is no need to wait until Christmas, with this latest GIANT offering, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Working class cheeky local lad Jack Trott (David Heath) meets and falls in love with the beautiful, kind Princess Jill (Maddie Hope Coelho). Their blossoming romance is threatened by the nasty giant Blunderbore, and his devoted servant Mrs Fleshcreep (Rachael Wood), who demand 1000 gold pieces to keep the peace. This leads our Jack to make some difficult decisions much to the dismay of his Ma, Dame Dolly Trott (Mark Two) and his daft brother Simple Simon (Lewis Devine). Thankfully, our narrator, the formidable Fairy Mary (Jenna Sian O’Hara) flutters in to help save the day.

This highly engaging production has the right blend of ingredients which makes it a masterclass in pantomime. Reece Sibbald’s hilarious script, full of cheeky innuendoes and localisms, is brought to life by the energy and skill which radiates from the actors. Kudos to the casting, as all six of this watchable, talented ensemble, deliver with ease and natural comic timing. There are several moments where you’re wondering whether a funny quip was an ad lib or part of the script. They’re clearly having a ball and at home in this theatrical genre.

Lots of classic panto tropes are thrown in, with familiar songs and jokes, with some delivered in a different refreshing way; Dame Trott and Simple Simon crying tears over the audience for Daisy the Cow, is face achingly funny. The physical comedy and elements of clowning is framed nicely by Nazene Danielle’s choreography and the brilliant dancers from the Dynamix Performing Arts College.

Hats off to the creative team and Regal Entertainments whose standard of production is brilliant; the bright vibrant scenery, complimentary lighting, beautiful colourful, sparkly costumes and sound effects, each executed with precision. From the bursts of flames licking the stage as the gloriously evil Mrs Fleshcreep gives a sassy rendition of ‘Queen of the Night’ warming the face, to the broad mix of original, new and old musical numbers. All technical elements are brought together under the brilliant direction of Chantelle Nolan and assistant director Kay Nicholson. The pacing keeps the audience on their toes, with children in the audience visibly invested, as they’re lost within the magical world of pantomime.

There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, a solid example of the brilliance of northern humour, which adds to the nostalgic innocence of watching panto, a feeling which lasts a lifetime. The great thespian Ian McKellen reckons panto is more popular than Shakespeare, and based on this production, he’d be right.

Runs until 5 November 2023.

The Reviews Hub Score

Hilarious!

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The North West team is under the editorship of John McRoberts. 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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