Jack & The Beanstalk Panto Review by Lynn Carroll

December 18, 2024

In the words of another well known show I have to say this was a ‘Spectacular Spectacular’ and I had a wonderfully enchanting evening at The Cliffs last night.

The foyer and auditorium resounded to the sound of children who waited excitedly for the show to begin. It seemed to take forever for the audience to take their seats but their voices finally hushed when the curtain at last went up, though that isn’t strictly true as there wasn’t really a curtain as such. But, no sooner had the children quietened down than they were being encouraged, in true pantomime style, to shout their loudest and interact with the actors on stage.

Before I heap praise upon this production I have to admit to only ever attending two pantomimes that I can remember during my lifetime. Readers of my reviews may recall that I have a hard time with comedy, although my recent forays into theatre land appear to have brought my comedic appreciation to the fore. Before I knew it I was laughing along with the best belly laughs and tittering.

Of course the crowd roared with enthusiasm when Rylan made his entrance in his way over the top but suitably ’him’ costume. Flamboyant times ten. He did look magnificent and his stage presence was palpable then and throughout the show. He was the object of many jokes not only as his character, The Spirit of the Beans, but also as himself. Hidden from view in his costume was his phone which rang often and we were then privy to his conversations with his mother. Anyone who has seen and heard Rylan’s mother, especially on TV in Gogglebox, would know that voice anywhere though many, I suspect, may not have realised it was actually her, (or a very good mimic).

Of course a show does not revolve around just one character and whilst Rylan lit up the stage each time he appeared he had a fantastic supporting cast. Silly Simon played by Aaron James deserves a special mention for his alphabet mimicry and tongue twisting performance. His asides and quips were not lost on the audience and he was a perfect counter balance to his brother Jack, the more serious and supposedly clever one of the two who was courting Princess Jill. I couldn’t help wondering how a poor farm boy was courting a Princess, but hey ho it is a fairy tale. Having said that the story veered away from the original considerably but in the second half redeemed itself by a truly magnificent 3D display. We were then treated to a more accurate telling of the tale with several characters climbing the beanstalk, facing the giant whilst battling all manner of creepy crawlies along the way. I hate to include spoilers so suffice to say there was more to this than 3D viewing and your sense of hearing.

It is very tempting to go through the whole performance but I must leave some surprises for you. I would urge you to catch this Pantomime if you possibly can, as a Christmas treat for the children it could not fail to please and such a fun way to introduce them to theatre.

I truly came away from this performance with a newly aware appreciation of the work that must have gone into it. Not just the cast but the many unseen behind the scenes workers who put their all into making this a night to remember. The Cliffs management also deserve a mention for their generous hospitality after the show when a privileged few of us were able to mingle with the cast in a party atmosphere.

I am not in the habit of rating shows I review as it is impossible to compare a comedy with a play or show or pantomime and avoid comparisons. However, I am breaking my own rule for this one as in my opinion it gets a well deserved ten out of ten.