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:

Simon Cole - 6 December 2011

After last year’s hugely successful Cinderella, I had high hopes for UK Production’s 2011 Bournemouth pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, which opened on 3 December at the town’s Pavilion Theatre, and runs until 2 January 2012.

The fact that I am slightly disappointed probably has everything to do with the material – Jack has never been a favourite panto of mine, perhaps lacking the magical qualities of Cinderella and some of the more spectacular elements of other seasonal offerings.

The cast certainly are faultless, and work very hard to inject plenty of Christmas cheer. CBeebies star and local lad Chris Jarvis - hopefully now a permanent fixture at the Bournemouth panto - is good value as always; his natural charm and warm, cheeky personality enchants the audience young and old. Also directing the show Chris in his role as Silly Billy brings much of the comedy and keeps the story flowing at a fare pace. Debra Stephenson’s quick ...

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