Jack and the Beanstalk
Review by Russell Cook from Suffolk Village Info.
A pig, a giraffe and a turkey. What do they all have in common you may ask?
Well, they’re just three of the many animals you’ll find, unexpectedly I hasten to add, on Old MacDonald’s Farm.
Oh, no they’re not!
Oh, yes they are!
And I’m sure there will be other animals that crop up on the farm in the shows that follow over the coming days.
This was just one of the many hilarious scenes in the Regent Theatre’s annual Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk and it brought the house down.
Three youngsters and a grandmother are plucked out of the audience, in typical panto style, to meet up on stage with the comical Silly Simon, played enthusiastically by the show’s writer Mike McClean. He encourages them to name an animal on the farm, much to the delight of those watching on, as they sing the song and make the noises of the animals - a brilliant ad lib scene.
The oldest boy is seven years old and when Simon asks how long he has known one of his young friends his reply was nine years…cue more raucous laughter.
There’s so much to love about this traditional panto.
It’s the well known story about Jack (Peter Lavery), who is the “number one son” of Dame Trott (Gavin Ashbarry), with Simon downgraded as “number two son”.
Jill Halfpenny (Abbie Burden) is Jack’s love interest as he goes on his quest to rid his village of Blundertrump, the giant at the top of the beanstalk, and to save Jill and capture her heart.
There’s twists and turns and fun and laughter en route, with TV personality and dance expert, Louie Spence, as the Spirit of the Beans, and Michael Greco (best known for his role as Beppe di Marco in Eastenders) as the wicked Fleshcreep. As the self confessed “giant’s right hand man”, his mission is to capture the cow and Jill so the giant can make a steak and Jill pie. Uuughh!!
Add into the mix of characters the bizarre and batty Mayor Halfpenny (Peter Brad-Leigh), along with the family cow, Daisy, and the jaw-dropping, huge giant - it all contributes to a fantastic two-hour plus show.
All the usual suspects including Sir Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage and Prince Andrew are included in caustic one-line comic moments along with Ipswich Borough Council and the Buttermarket Shopping Centre.
Tractor Boys and Girls also get their moments, where audience participation is a must, but it’s the “Fun Time with Silly Simon” which really tickled the fancy of those at our performance, especially the aforementioned “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”.
Laughs, super songs, great dancing, marvellous music and glittering scenery all make it the perfect family show.
Jack and the Beanstalk is at Ipswich Regent Theatre until December 31.
FOR FULL SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE