Jack and the Beanstalk

Published Tuesday 19 December 2006 at 16:50 by Jon Holliday

Securing John Barrowman for the title role has proved quite a coup for the 100-year-old New Theatre, for his appearances in Dr Who and Torchwood were filmed in and around Cardiff, generating much local publicity. But TV popularity does not necessarily lead to success in the specialised world of panto, as many ‘celebrities’ find to their disappointment. However, Barrowman as a dashing Jack sings and acts strongly, has a nice line in self-deprecating comedy and charms his audience young and old irresistibly.

After a literally explosive start, Hannah Chissick’s staging is slick and glitzy, with plenty of pace and surprise in the attractively arranged sequence of scenes. Terrible puns, broad jokes and topical references abound. There are fewer traditional routines than is usual but sufficient well-taken opportunities for deafening responses.

The second half is somewhat disjointed at times, with both the beanstalk and the giant lacking impact. Andy Jones projects an appealing Simon, his comic timing spot on. As a distinctly macho Dame Trot with exploding guitar, Tony Wright makes much of limited opportunities. Strong support comes from Richard Tate as eager-to-please King Crumble, Martin Marquez as the whip-cracking Fleshcreep and Rosie Ashe as a strident Fairy Daffodil. Danielle Corlass sings most effectively as Princess Apricot (oh those fruit jokes) while Cerys the dancing cow, is not surprisingly, a bovine hit.

Spirited dancing is choreographed by Nicki Wollaston, with the youthful Olive Guppy Olivettes making their welcome 31st annual appearance. Musical director is Michael Morwood.