Barry Chuckle in white frilly knickers!…My Jack and the Beanstalk pop up book was never like this as a kid, but then again neither did it have the Spirit of the Beans, a King and a Princess, evidently all the essential ingredients for a really successful Panto.
Starring Benidorm actor Tony Maudsley as the hilarious Dame Trot, brimming with innuendo alongside the Chuckle Brothers as Paul and Barry Trot, the pantomime stays loosely faithful to the classic children’s story, whilst having everything you want in a festive show – a horrible villain, a man in a dress, a cow, audience participation and comedy sketches. The Chuckle Brothers prove they’ve still got it as a dynamic double-act, interacting with members of the audience (be worried if you’re sitting near the front!) whilst Sarah Earnshaw as the lovable Spirit of the Beans possesses one of the stronger singing voices of the cast.
Situated in the town of Tiddling on the Trent, the story is given a local flavouring with plenty of name checks along the way, an abundance of gags, a generous sprinkling of magic, fantastic song-and-dance numbers and enough in-jokes to keep the adults happy
Six pack flashing Chico takes on the role of Jack, whilst Daniel Boys earns himself plenty of traditional boos from parents and children alike every time he steps on stage as the suitably hateful Fleshcreep.
There was your traditional Panto fare (oh yes there was) of sword fights, songs and dazzling choreography, as well as modern concessions to technology. The 3D sequence is excellent with all kinds of things flying out of the screen towards us and offering some of the most exciting visuals I have seen in pantomime, however, it also carries every one of the essential elements of the traditional pantomime, its loud, Its colourful and it offers a couple of hours of wonderful escapism.
It isn’t Christmas until the Theatre Royal Panto begins, and this year it’s bigger and better than ever. Witty, fast-paced and brimming with plenty of charm, Panto fans will be hard pressed to find a better one. It’s a delightful festive treat complete with all the trimmings.
By Tanya Raybould
Editor
@tanyalouiseray
