Jack and the Beanstalk | Theatre Royal, Nottingham.
If you're looking for a pantomime this Christmas that is perfect for all of the family than look no further than Theatre Royal Nottingham's performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. The last time I had anything to do with Jack and the Beanstalk panto was back in early 00's when I was the front end of the cow as part of the travelling pantomime I performed in.
The Qdos pantomime, who are well renowned for their array of star name headliners in spectacular productions, being the world's largest pantomime producer with 649 productions to it's credit spanning 34 years! They leave nothing to spare with their visually stunning set design which really takes the pantomime back to it's fairy-tale roots which the audience knows so well. Paul Robinson's choreography was slick and energetic, adding that high quality movement that brings a lot of pantomimes to life. The Theatre Royal Babes were an absolute joy to watch perform, selected from the Marcia Jones School of Dance they clearly had been rehearsing to perform high quality movement pieces! There was a great use of modern pop music throughout the performance which really emphasised a more modernistic flavour to a much loved traditional panto. A lot of bums in seats where dancing along to Justin Timberlake's hit song, Can't Stop The Feeling.
This spectacular performance of Jack and the Beanstalk brings with it a cast that the whole family will be familiar with. Leading the cast are the legendary comedy-duo The Chuckle Brothers who showed that they still had it after all this time even so far into an incredibly long career. I remember growing up with their iconic show Chucklevision so was elated when the theme played for their entrances throughout the production. They showed their natural ability to get the audience going and laughing along with their slap stick comedy that they are well known for.
Another star Tony Maudsley makes his debut as the dame this Christmas, taking a well deserved break from the beaches of Benidorm for the bright lights of Nottingham. Having starred in the musical Hairspray earlier this year it's clear he has well adapted himself to this new role. His costumes were absolutely flawless and interchanged within the plotline effectively, I almost wanted some to include in my own wardrobe.
Taking the title role of Jack Trot is The X Factor's Chico, who over the years has done a whole host of things including reaching the final of ITV1's Dancing on Ice as well as other numerous professional opportunities and has appeared in several pantomimes. This panto hasn't missed a trick with his UK number 1 single, Chico Time performed during the production. This was fun but felt slightly dated and irrelevant to the pantomime completely, it almost felt like it wasn't necessary to have.
The performance of the evening for me was the villain, Fleshcreep played by Daniel Boys who showed that while he has extensive experience playing the hero of the story, he is more than capable of playing the counterpart as well. He perfectly exemplified the villainous attitude that is so needed to balance out a pantomime production.
What Jack and the Beanstalk lacked in voice projection during parts was made up with the high level of choreography, energy and fun that would make great enjoyment for all of the family! Plus if your intrigued by the use of 3D animation in a pantomime then trust me it's something you don't want to miss!
Photos : Shawn Ryan
Running until 15 January 2017
*I was gifted this ticket in exchange for a review, but all words and opinions are my own.