Jack and the Beanstalk (Worthing)

As with any traditional pantomime, such as Jack and the Beanstalk at the Connaught Theatre in Worthing, one expects to find the usual “Boos”, “He’s behind you”s, familiar songs and slightly cringe-worthy audience participation.

However, despite being a three-hour show, this adaptation of the classic Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum fairytale by directors David Samuel and Marc Yarrow is a laugh-along explosion of entertainment and the whole night (or indeed afternoon) whizzes by in a blur of fun-fuelled viewing (for those parents grimacing at the thought).

Adults and children alike will revel in the production, which is into its second season. In the intimate surroundings of the Connaught (watch out for Simple Simon’s water squirts if too near the front), it delivers on every level, leaving the audience gaping in awe, laughing uncontrollably or standing up to sing along. It’s a panto that hits the spot of where pantos rightfully should – fun, cabaret and downright silliness (with enough innuendo to keep the adults amused).

The character of Jack and his princess are sickly sweet against the calamity surrounding them, as Charlie Dimmock (Fairy Organic), television’s famous strawberry-blonde gardener, narrates from the sidelines. It's Heart FM’s cheeky double act of Tom (who plays the king) and Jack (his trusty Lord) who really steal the show, as it’s clear that they enjoy being on the stage dressed up ridiculously, despite having to flirt with Dames and even Daisy the cow.

Ian Mowat as Dame Trot is superb and, despite the overload of wonderful camp humour we are exposed to these days, the joke is most certainly not over! Added to the wonderful cast, the set design and musical arrangements (with musical director Yarrow and his band traditionally placed in the orchestra pit for the audience to see) are impeccable, demonstrating the crew‘s wide ranging experience in stage work.

The male dancers, Nathan Goy and Christopher Willmore, work elegantly with female dance group Glendale Theatre Arts School to create a complimentary dance routine that leaps and swirls around the songs and scenes of the well-known story. Simple Simon, played by the impersonator Tony Rudd, entertains the audience with ad-lib comedy and impressions in between sets, getting the audience worked up and ready for the next scene.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the classic pantomime and this one is a must to see if you are Sussex based, although I’d recommend an afternoon matinee for very young audiences. You’ll leave the theatre with a festive nostalgic (green fingered) glow.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Worthing Connaught Theatre until 4 January.