Jack and the Beanstalk

Published Thursday 28 December 2006 at 13:15 by Victor Hallett

Colwyn Bay’s modest, cheerful panto proves the older the better as far as routines go. Nothing else comes anywhere near the “he’s behind you” routine for audience participation and enjoyment. It’s not the best ever version but it lifts the roof.

I liked the series of awful cow puns when Daisy (a charming creation) is being milked. There’s also a promising cooking routine which fell somewhat flat through a distinct lack of messiness.

I hope too that the variable miking has been fixed. That spoiled some good singing from Stuart Boother, the only bearded Jack I’ve ever seen and Debra Finch, his sweet-voiced Jill.

Deborah Swain is an enjoyable, earthy fairy and Daniel Coll a bubbly, bouncy Dame. Richard Roberts looks good as Baron Blackfly, he has wonderful eyebrows but he’s not scary enough.

His boss is though. The giant’s booming voice keeps making the audience jump and his appearance, skilfully operated by Daniel Perrin, brought quite a few gasps - and not just from the smaller spectators.

Any scares are soon brushed away by Duncan Marwick’s Simple Simon, carrying the audience along with his silliness. It’s not an elaborate show but it has plenty of colour and fun to offer.