REVIEW: A Giant-Sized Family Adventure at Jack and the Beanstalk

We absolutely jumped at the chance to attend the Press Preview Night of Jack and the Beanstalk. The panto is always our favourite festive activity every year, and with our girls being 7 and 4 they are at the perfect age to really savour all the magic without getting ants in their pants!

Honestly, this has to be up there with one of the best we have seen; it was an absolute romp from start to finish. Our visit was a delightful escape into a world of magic, mischief, and mayhem.

Jack and the Beanstalk will have you bursting with laughter from the moment the curtains rise. We were treated to a whirlwind of humour, music, and dazzling visuals. The jokes came thick and fast, appealing to every generation—whether it was cheeky wordplay for the kids, tongue-in-cheek gags for the grown-ups, or brilliant improvisations that had the entire theatre roaring.

The cast were all magnificent and it is hard to choose a star of the show but my husband loved the villain: Fleshcreep (played by Calum Hill from Coronation Street) and if I had to choose, it would be a tie between Simple Simon (played by professional comedian Noel Brodie which I'm sure contributes to the amount and high standard of all the jokes and innuendos) and undoubtedly the larger-than-life Dame (played by Oli Brooks, a highly acclaimed theatre actor), who commanded the stage with her flamboyant costumes, impeccable comedic timing, and infectious energy. She kept the audience in stitches with her witty one-liners and her knack for involving us all in her antics. Whether trading jokes with the other characters or playfully teasing the front row, she was a show-stealer in every sense of the word. The cast had such a great rapport and energy with each-other and you could clearly see how much they were enjoying every minute just as much as we were.

The ensemble cast didn’t miss a beat, with each performer bringing their own unique charm. The singing and dancing numbers were a spectacle to behold—high-energy routines, catchy tunes, and incredible choreography that had even the youngest audience members tapping along in their seats (many of them must have been only 7 or 8 and they were incredible. In one of the acts they were dressed up as Deadpool and it was absolutely incredible.

What made this panto really unique was the use of 3D imaging! We were all given 3D glasses and after the interval the cast are in the woods where ghosts and creepy crawlies, rats are all behind them ("they're behind you!) and then run out into the audience, the effect is fantastic and very realistic and all the children were squealing with delight!

Jack and the Beanstalk at The Pavilion Theatre offered an unforgettable night of laughter, music and magic. Whether you’re looking to create new family traditions or simply enjoy a spectacular evening of entertainment, this pantomime is a must-see this holiday season.  

Jack and the Beanstalk is running at The Pavillion in Bournemouth from 7th December to 5th January 2025. You can book tickets, here.