REVIEW | Jac and the Beanstalk, New Theatre Cardiff
Written by Kay
Disclaimer: gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Having just marked its 117th birthday, the New Theatre is Cardiff’s oldest surviving theatre. For those from the area, its annual pantomime has become a staple of the Christmas season and this year’s offering, Jac and the Beanstalk, is a feast of fun for the family.
It’s a fairy tale that is set in the poor countryside, telling the tale of Daisy, the family’s prized cow. In a bid to outwit the giants, Daisy is mistakenly sold for several beans, which in turn grow into the beanstalk. It doesn’t disappoint, as from the moment the curtain rises to the moment it falls, this pantomime manages to tick most of the boxes. The result is a production that somewhat seamlessly blends tradition with a small amount of modern flare.
The 3D effects included in this year’s production do much of the heavy lifting post-interval and children throughout the theatre were screaming in delight at the efforts.
Featuring the usual combination of Mike Doyle and Denquar Chupak in their trusted leading roles, this year’s cast benefits from the star factor that Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather) adds. Her comedic portrayal of the Spirit of the Beans is panto at its finest, with her close to the mark humour receiving a fair amount of giggling from the audience. Comedian Aaron James contributed greatly to the comedy, with his crowd-pleasing routines and characterisation being central to the lighter storyline.
Then there’s Welsh-born Adam Bailey, a talented West End performer who’s fresh from his roles in Jersey Boys and Titanic (China tour). His talent shines with the dance scenes and musical numbers feeling polished and professional.
Some people are born to be entertainers and this year’s cast epitomises that description.
The plot itself is somewhat questionable, something that is endearingly mocked by the cast throughout the performance. Exactly how Daisy the cow made it both up, and down, the beanstalk being one such example. The plot holes, plus the occasional slips in character ensured this was a performance that pleased the adults as much as the children.
This production lasts just two hours, shorter than most pantos, something that many parents will undoubtedly be grateful for.
A fun, entertaining and comedic performance that proves why panto continues to be a festive favourite of many.
At New Theatre, Cardiff until 7 January 2024.
