Review: Jack and the Beanstalk at York Theatre Royal

Tuesday, 12th December 2023 at York Theatre Royal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jack and the Beanstalk has landed at York Theatre Royal as this year’s panto offering. It’s a very modernised version with more re-writes than you can shake a stick at, and it’s helmed by a great cast who never waver in energy and enthusiasm.

Nina Wadia’s Fairy Sugarsnap leads the way with witty one-liners and an endearing nervous energy as she introduces Jack Trott, played by Mia Overfield with perfect panto grins and a warmth that secures audience inclusion. Matthew Curnier shares some of the central spotlight as Jack’s brother, Billy – he’s the clown-type but plays down more traditional elements to offer some very entertaining comic gags – particularly with the balloon in the second act. Anna Soden brings plenty of charisma and fun to the role of Dave the Talking Cow, doing well to secure laughs as well as investment.

And Robin Simpson returns as our dame, this year stomping about the stage as Dame Trott, wading through each “blunder”, “ineptitude” and “calamity” with enough performative huffing and puffing to launch a ship or two! Zeus The Dog (yes indeed, a real dog!) definitely steals the comedy scenes in Act 2, showcasing impeccable training and fantastic timing which is sure to leave audiences thoroughly impressed with such a canine superstar.

And then there’s Luke Backinanger – brilliantly named as he is – who is our cackling villain, played with petulant relish by James Mackenzie. It’s worth noting that this production, written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster, goes to great pains to put a modern twist on the “villains” of this story, from the baddie with the reality TV origin story to the giants with circumstances to consider before we assume we know the full story and lay judgement… It sacrifices a fair bit of the thrill and peril associated with this particular tale, but it’s bang up to date and does a good job in bringing some nice wholesome messages to the fore.

Michael J Batchelor and Hazel Fall’s dame costume designs are a real highlight, particularly the nod to a local landmark and tea parties, while Helga Wood and Michelle Marden’s set delivers on all the colour, sparkle and spectacle we expect from a well put together panto of merit. Hayley Del Harrison’s choreography gives the ensemble plenty of opportunities to make their mark on the production and the simple fun of the spooks and panto bench hasn’t lost its appeal.

I’d say this panto is heavily geared towards giving the youngest members of the audience a sincere and lovely time, and the cast certainly deliver on all the key elements: silliness, fun, spectacle and engaging musical sequences all abound. But the show does less well in terms of providing for grown-ups in the traditional thinly-veiled ways, mostly offering up the odd mildly political quip or knowing side-eye.

This modernised Jack and the Beanstalk strides a fair distance from the version we might expect, but does so with confidence and remains very entertaining. It’s sure to keep youngsters invested as it engages with some traditional elements but really embraces up-to-date tastes with oodles of energy.

Jack and the Beanstalk is at York Theatre Royal until January 7th 2024 – more information and tickets can be found here.