This popular tale of Jack and his quest to rid the land of the evil giant Blunderbore has long been a pantomime favourite, providing as it does, plenty of opportunity for magic, mayhem and a touch of innocent romance.

Tony Rudd, Leon Craig and Herbie Adams in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Broadway Theatre, Catford (previous picture shows Angela Wynter)

A popular face from television’s EastEnders, Angela Wynter makes a delightfully genteel Fairy Organic - she’s fresh and always expensive. Wynter guides our hero, Allan Jay as a strong Jack Trott, through the story and sets off a few fine vocals, most notably a rousing Proud Mary and a somewhat surprising adaptation of Sondheim’s Giants In The Sky.

Leon Craig may be no stranger to playing dames at seasides, with Brighton and Southend under his belt, but he should be welcomed to London with open arms. As Dame Trott, he is sassy, saucy and undoubtedly the star of the show in a collection of gowns and wigs that are as audacious as they are amusing.

Comedian Tony Rudd puts his fine impressionist skills to good use as Simple Simon and along with Herbie Adams’ King Crumble the pair make the most of the slapstick opportunities available to them. Phil Price’s circus skills bring a fun element to the Goose Fair as well as adding a touch of incendiary risk to the Giant’s Lair dance routine.