Jack and the Beanstalk at Nottingham Playhouse — review
We headed down to see one of the city's most beloved shows...
Nottingham Playhouse has been putting on pantos for over 30 years, with so many special and magical shows throughout the years. This year’s pantomime is Jack and the Beanstalk, and it’s a seriously magical, fun show.
I went down and reviewed it, nestling into the cosy Playhouse theatre seats and being fully prepared for anything (or so I thought!). I came away with a huge smile on my face.
If you’re looking for Christmas events in Nottingham this month, this show is sure to be entertaining for the whole family. It’s playing at Nottingham Playhouse until January 18, so you have plenty of time to catch it. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
“You'll have the freedom to have fun” — Jack and the Beanstalk at Nottingham Playhouse
By Eve Smallman
Photos by Pamela Raith
I'll be honest — I've never actually been to a Nottingham pantomime. I know, I know — I deserve the audible gasps. But, I knew I had to make my first one the Nottingham Playhouse panto, as it's renowned for being colourful, playful, and masterful.
From the moment the lights turned down low and I heard 'ey up mi ducks,' I felt right at home.
Of course, we all know the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk — but this is a brand new retelling, artfully written by director Adam Penford (who also brilliantly directed Dear Evan Hansen this year).
The script was clever, funny, and witty — full of innuendos, pop culture, and plenty of Nottingham references (both cultural and political!). While it had all the favourite panto phrases and gags and was happy to do a nod and a wink, it had so many topical and standalone jokes which made it feel really fresh.
This was brought to life by an incredibly talented cast, who all knew how to deliver the script with full panto emphasis, without being afraid to step out and improvise.
The long-standing Dame John Elkington was exceptional as Dame Daisy — they bantered with the audience brilliantly, latched onto latecomers, and threw out jokes left right and centre. They did this particularly well during the dairy scene with Jewelle Hutchinson as Jill and Bradley Judge as Silly Billy. Those pair brought so much energy and joy to the stage, as did Finton Flynn as the titular character and Alice Redmond as Pat the Cow.
The baddie, Tom Hopcroft as Fleshcreep, also had oodles of chemistry with the Dame — in lots of different ways, shall we say? He commanded the stage whenever he was on it. Meanwhile off-stage, Sir Ian McKellen's voice as Giant Blunderbore was a stroke of genius (especially the snuck in Lord of the Rings line!).
I also really loved the addition of Caroline Parker as the Fairy Godmother, who signed most of her lines. There was a particularly powerful moment during Let It Shine where the cast all stood on stage, letting the music play, and signed right with her, which left me feeling emotional.
As well as the talent on stage being fabulous, I was also dazzled by the costumes and set. Dame Daisy had a new outfit every time they came on stage which was remarkable, while everyone else had vibrant and eye-catching costumes that blended into the scenery perfectly.
I was a little obsessed with the beautiful set — when the curtain came up and revealed the windmill and farmhouse scene for the first time, I was genuinely wowed by how much artistry had gone into it. The Old Market Square backdrop (where Pat the Cow sadly got exchanged for beans!) was also so fun, with nods to the football teams and even a 360 Degrees (as a nod to one of the cosiest coffee shops in Notts). If that ever gets made into a print, I'll be first in line to get it.
The second half of the story did feel a little rushed, I guess there is only so far one fairy tale can go, and it was nice to see audience members bought up on stage to take part in the show. There's a really fun interactive section at the end that had the whole theatre singing along — but I won't spoil what that is!
The soundtrack was well-chosen, with fan favourites that both could tug on heartstrings and ones that could be giggled at. I also very much enjoyed the iconic panto song If I Were Not Upon the Stage during this act, which was well executed by the cast.
I came away thinking that Jack and the Beanstalk is a true Nottingham show. It is a wonderful example of how a panto can take itself seriously in terms of being professional and polished, while at the same time being willing to be unserious, laughing with and at the audience.
Whether you're a seasoned panto pro or looking to dip your toes back into its whimsical waters, this performance of Jack and the Beanstalk is worth going to see. Just like the show, for a couple of hours, you'll have the freedom to have fun.
Jack and the Beanstalk is playing at Nottingham Playhouse until January 18. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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