This full on glittery panto comes to Ipswich with a sprinkling of TV celebs gracing the stage.
Jack and the Beanstalk is a family-favourite panto and everyone knows the story, which helps when this adaptation is clinging loosely to the storyline. However, this is panto and perfectly allows the show to morph with each performance as the actors spur each other on to mess up their lines, or ad-lib down a different route which is hilarious for both the audience and the cast.
It had all the elements of a fun-packed show with audience participation practically in every scene and if we were not loud enough we’d have to try harder, there were constant jokes with the accompanying drum ‘da da’ after every punchline and straightforward humour which appealed to all ages in the audience. People were howling.
There is no fairy in this panto, however we do have the ‘Spirit of the Beans’ who guides us through the story. Louie Spence, dressed in satin green, is the ‘Spirit of the Beans’ and pirouettes onto the stage, many times, and to much cheer. Louie was the star of the show as he just couldn’t keep still, he was always moving whether a step-ball-change here, leg kicks there, or just toe pointing, any excuse for some kind of dancing. It was funny, he just has funny dancing bones. He was even making up a dance routine to the mobile phone ring tone.
Michael Greco from Eastenders (and many other credits) was the baddie Fleshcreep and was mean enough to extract booooos every time he came on stage. Abbie Budden played the sweet Jill Halfpenny and Peter Lavery plays Hero Jack and although they were both good actors, singers and dancers, there were some big personalities on stage so they were a little overshadowed and took it graciously. However, certainly they both looked as though they were enjoying themselves.
Mike McClean from Richard & Judy and The Big Breakfast was Silly Simon, and very silly he was too! As the comedian in the cast he was prime for the delivery of most of the jokes and a few made on the spot ones too. Gavin Ashbarry played Dame Trott, Jack’s mother, and was a loud, funny, excellent dame.
Peter Brad-Leigh played Mayor Halfpenny and I thought it was a lot of fun him keep randomly appearing in the second half trying to showcase his acting talents as he didn’t think he was in enough scenes in the first half.
There were a few random scenes, as always with a panto, however the scene with Silly Simon and Dame Trott using snippets of songs to describe dating was genius and comical.
The set and costumes were brightly coloured with a rainbow of delight to be seen in the darkest corners of the auditorium. The group dance routines and the use of popular song tracks were well chosen and choreographed and were very enjoyable to watch. Special mention to Daisy the cow and her fabulous costume which has now upped the game for any four legged pantomime costume from this point onwards! And of course the fantastic Giant costume – remarkable.
There were lots of local references and a few social commentary quips which amused the adults in the audience, and the kids just loved all the shouting. It’s a fun panto who’s only aim is to make everyone have a good night out.
Jack and The Beanstalk is playing at Ipswich Regent until 31st December – click here for tickets.