Review by Paul Towers, 16/12/23
Jack and the Beanstalk by Eric Potts
Directed by Janice Dunn
Produced by Imagine Theatre
At DeMontfort Hall til Sunday 7th January 2024
“a magical world of wonder for children of all ages”
Once again Imagine Theatre has provided us with a spectacular pantomime at Leicester’s DeMontfort Hall. Returning again are local favourites Sam Bailey and Jarred Christmas. This year they are joined by Jack Ballard, a very worthy replacement for panto stalwart Martin Ballard (and yes, they are related. Son and father). Making his pantomime debut is Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills as Mayor Mills.
Jack and the Beanstalk is a wonderful family-friendly show full of songs, dancing and comedy. It also has some great special effects.
The story, such as it is, follows Jack Trott (90’s pop band A1’s Mark Read) as he returns from his travels penniless and hoping that his late father, the miller, has left him money. To the dismay of his mother, Dame Trott (Jack Ballard having huge fun with the role) the house and mill are up to their ears in debt to Giant Blunderthwaite (Thomas Brackley in an astonishing costume/animatronic standing more than 10 feet tall). The Giant’s henchman, appropriately named Fleshcreep (a very hissable baddie played with relish by Mark Beauchamp), is tasked with collecting the debt. Jack, intent on marrying his childhood sweetheart Jill Mills, the Mayor’s daughter (Christina Harris), vows to clear the debt by selling the family’s much loved cow, Buttercup. Unfortunately he ends up with worthless beans but they do turn out to be magic beans and grow up to the Giant’s lair. So, with Lazy Larry (Jarred Christmas returning to Leicester to play the fool) the family set out to slay the Giant and put everything right.
Popping up regularly is Fairy Flutterby (local singing sensation Sam Bailey) who pushes the narrative along. This year she seems to have a more prominent role, much to the delight of the audience.
The main cast are very well supported by a talented ensemble of six singers and dancers as well as alternating teams of eight local youngsters choreographed by Aaron Renfree. The hilarious locally referenced script by panto maestro Eric Potts hits all the right notes while director Janice Dunn has created a magical world of wonder for children of all ages.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at DeMontfort Hall until Sunday 7th January 2024
Pics – Paul Clapp for Limelight Photography
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