Jack and the Beanstalk (Sheffield)

Arriving at the Lyceum Theatre to watch this year’s panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, I had a few concerns: a) Am I too old to be here, b) Will I be the only person without an accompanying child and c) What will I do if I am dragged up on stage? This anxiety increased twelvefold when I discovered my seat was in the second row. I needn’t have worried though as a Dad called Lee – a fantastic sport on the front row – was the butt of all Dame Trot’s jokes.

The classic story was given a modern makeover with chart hits interweaving the narrative, such as Katy Perry’s Roar and David Guetta’s Titanium. The pantomime cow was shamelessly promoting a local brand of homemade ice-cream. My favourite vocal performance was the serenade to the cow; the lyrics ‘We danced all night with the best cow ever’ were sung to the tune of One Direction’s Best Song Ever.

Damian Williams‘ Dame Trot was fabulously camp, outrageous and had immaculate comic timing. Her relationship with son Jack [Ian H Watkins] was full of banter and ridicule. She teased him relentlessly for being in Steps, what she considered to be the third best band from the ‘90s.

The set, costumes and props were spectacular and vibrant; the inflatable beanstalk, the walking, talking giant, the audience participation in throwing giant peas onto the stage (soft green tennis balls), the lifelike Molly the Cow and the colourful, flamboyant costumes made the performance eye-catching and engaging.

I certainly cannot remember there being so many blue jokes in the Pantos of my childhood (I realise they would have gone completely over my head). The jokes for children were seamlessly decorated with innuendos that tickled older viewers. Local references that poked fun at varying areas of South Yorkshire make the performance topical for the native audience and name checks for School groups in the audience, audience chants such as ‘it’s behind you,’ ‘oh no it isn’t’ and other classic retorts made for a warm and intimate environment.

Leaving the Lyceum last night I felt the magic of festive times from my childhood revisited. I was not feeling particularly festive before Jack and the Beanstalk, but was left with excitement for the weeks to come. The performance offers something for all ages – admittedly targeted mainly at kids – but I would still recommend it for grown-ups who, like me, still enjoy being a bit childish and indulging in some good old-fashioned fun.

Jack and the Beanstalk continues at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield until 5 January 2014.