Jack And The Beanstalk

Published Monday 5 December 2005 at 16:45 by Kevin Berry

Pantomime press night at Harrogate Theatre and the cast disappears from the stage for the interval breather. There is a heartfelt ‘Awww’ of disappointment as youngsters realise they will have to wait 20 minutes for the fun to continue.

What better comment can there be? That sound is something this reviewer has not heard in almost 20 years of reviewing.

Jack and the Beanstalk is a favourite pop-up story book come to life and it maintains that quality throughout. It has a magical blend of colour and light and other venues please note, the stage floor is coloured a lovely blue and green rather than left black.

Regular writer Nicholas Pegg has a stream of wonderful puns and word play for Alan McMahon’s Dame. There is enchanting physical comedy from Tim Stedman as Simple Simon.

Each character is played with skilled enthusiasm and choreographer David Lee has created a physical identity for every one. Tom Peters is an instant hit as Fleshcreep.

Harrogate Theatre’s pantomimes cherish traditions and keep them fresh. This year’s show has, more than any other, absorbed the theatre’s heartbeat and identity. It would be very good in any other venue but played in Harrogate’s theatre it is utterly outstanding.