REVIEW | Jack and the Beanstalk, Birmingham Hippodrome
Written by Roni
Disclaimer: gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
It’s finally panto season (oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!), and Birmingham Hippodrome is once again bringing Birmingham’s biggest panto to eager audiences. This year’s offering is Jack and the Beanstalk, a well-known tale fit for the whole family. But can it deliver the entertainment to leave us feeling merry and bright?
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this incredible show. Children will love it for the slapstick, the colours, the music (Alison Hammond doing TikTok dances anyone?) and all the audience interaction you can shake a stick at. Grown ups will love it for the familiar faces, the tradition, and all of the humour that will go far over the kids’ heads (thankfully!).
The set design this year is jaw dropping, and it seems that ‘the bigger the better’ is very much the theme here. Without giving too much away, kids and big kids alike will be astounded by the production values at play. Interestingly, various set pieces seem to be recycled from last year’s London Palladium show, which is wonderful to see for the promotion of sustainability. The costume designs are stunning as usual, and a special mention must go to Mike Coltman and Ron Briggs for the wonderful array of colour and sparkle on display.
Matt Slack is in his 10th year in panto in Birmingham, and it’s very easy to see why. He has the audience in stitches with his impeccable comedic timing (even when being outshone by a 6-year-old choosing the perfect moment to shout “Uranus!”), and his cheeky innuendo. Samantha Womack is outstanding as the villainous Mrs Blunderbore, and doing it all in thigh high boots too (and how wonderful to see her back at her best). Andrew Ryan and Doreen Tipton have become staples of the Birmingham panto, and it wouldn’t feel right without their hilarious antics lighting up the stage, and this year’s fabulous addition of homegrown Alexanda O’Reilly as Jack makes this feel like a right Brummie knees up. The jewel in the crown however, is of course Brummie legend Alison Hammond as the Spirit of the Beans. Her infectious laughter rings out louder than the bells, and she barely has to make a move to garner applause and giggles from the enthusiastic audience.
In short, the show is a riot for kids aged 1 – 92 (parents of smaller children may want to be aware of a few jumpy pyrotechnics at the beginning of acts, and of course, the copious innuendo and references to Dick… Whittington that is), and should be prescribed to everyone for a good dose of Christmas spirit. A truly joyous expression of the very meaning of ‘festive’, and certainly not one to be missed!
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday 28th January 2024.
Captioned Performances – 14th Jan, 1pm & 5:15pm
BSL Interpreted – 7th Jan, 1pm & 5:15pm
Audio Described – 10th Jan, 2pm and 13th Jan, 2:30pm
Relaxed Performance – 24th Jan, 12pm
