Jack and the Beanstalk

Synopsis

Jack, a dim boy, sells the family's cow, their last remaining possession, for some 'magic beans', his mother is furious and throws them out of the window. Next morning there is a magic beanstalk, which Jack climbs to the land of the giant. There he rescues the love interest, and the goose that lays the golden eggs and runs away as the giant returns booming 'fee, fie, foe, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman!' and occasionally 'Be he alive or be he dead I'll grind his bones to make my bread' depending on how bloodthirsty the panto is! As the giant follows Jack down the beanstalk Jack grabs an axe and chops it down thus killing the him.

Our Review:

Maxwell Cooter - 21 December 2009

With Brighton, its more famous neighbour down the coast having given up on pantomimes, Eastbourne is the place in East Sussex to catch a glimpse of traditional Christmas entertainment. While many pantomimes rely on Z-list celebrities to provide audience appeal, the Eastbourne production relies on traditional values, with plenty of opportunity for audience participation, providing a pretty good show.

The starting point for any worthwhile pantomime is a decent dame and Martyn Knight as Dame Trott was all that a good dame should be; a great sense of timing, the ability to ad lib, good rapport with the audience and, of course, the ability to wear a variety of outrageous costumes. He is ably supported by Carl Patrick as Simple Simon – the pair of them being particularly effective in their scenes together – easily coping with fluffed lines and enjoying considerable rapport with the audience.

Emma Barton as Jack  is an engaging presence with a decent s...

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