Reviews

Jack and the Beanstalk (Newcastle)

Panto season begins in Newcastle with Jack and the Beanstalk at the Theatre Royal

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle until 18 January 2014.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle until 18 January 2014.
© Keith Pattison

The comedy duo of Danny Adams, and his father, Clive Webb show no signs of slowing down in their ninth record-breaking pantomime in Newcastle. Jack and the Beanstalk is a comedy juggernaut from start to finish.

West End producer-writer-director Michael Harrison once again gives Newcastle a show that the rest of the country can only hope to aspire too, setting the bar so high even an Olympic athlete could not hope to reach it.

Interwoven with the Jack and the Beanstalk storyline we have enough scary scenes to keep any child happy, 3D, the signature Act 1 spectacular closing, the hilarious Geordie Twelve Days of Christmas, and laughter – lots and lots of laughter.

The audience knows what to expect and Harrison and the cast deliver. We are like old friends now, so there is no need to build up any rapport. We are all ready to party from the off.

As usual, Clive and Danny are joined by Danny’s brother Michael Potts (Farm Boy), who has won his way into the audiences’ hearts over the years, plus the best dressed panto dame anywhere, Chris Hayward (Dame Rita Trot) and Steve Arnott (Fleshcreep). Also joining them this year is West End regular Rosemary Ashe as Queen Crumble (original Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera).

This is a very fast paced, laughterthon of a show, appealing to children, parents and grandparents, and is another hit for the Newcastle regular panto team. As they gear up for another smash season, we are on countdown already for next year, their tenth anniversary show, Snow White. My recommendation is to grab tickets for this year’s show while you can and book for next year today.

Jack and the Beanstalk continues at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle until 18 January 2014.