The Stage

Jack and the Beanstalk

Published Tuesday 15 December 2009 at 17:20 by Francesca Morrison

“I smell the blood of a Cornishman,” booms the stage-sized silhouette of a giant at the start of this delightful production, in which our wondrous biggie takes Gaviscon after gobbling a village or two, and Jack climbs a vast beanstalk that inflates like a green monster from the Eden Project.

Although this is a vivacious and imaginative show, it isn’t overly lavish, so quality depends on the skill and ingenuity of cast, choreography, direction and design rather than a surfeit of complex props and sets.

The excellent Mark James shoulders much of the show’s comedy and clowning, and it’s worth seeing just for his hilarious Twelve Days of Christmas routine. But he’s ably supported by Richard Alan as an amiable and effective dame, and nimble Peter Collett as a Jack who surfs as well as scales stalks. Kate Edney plays the princess with appealing robustness and tunefulness.

Stewart Nicholls’ choreography is crisp and decorative - so often panto dancing can be ragged and amateurish - and this complements a musical professionalism that gives the show energy and impact.

Special mention, however, must go to two ‘unseen’ performers whose front and rear comedy input as Daisy the cow was exceptional - Andrew Levesconte and Ellen Waghorn.