Jack and the Beanstalk
FIONA MCGARRY
My eight-year-old granddaughter and I went to Jack and the Beanstalk at The White Rock Theatre last Thursday. We arrived slightly frazzled (with Grandpa in tow) straight from the King’s Road late-night shopping event. I was just relieved we’d found somewhere to park and hopeful that I’d manage to stay awake. But as we piled into the White Rock along with hundreds of other families, I felt an unfamiliar sensation – a touch of ‘the Christmas Spirit’.
The theatre was packed to the rafters with a diverse audience: excited scouts and beavers, groups of wide-eyed children, old regulars (sulking because they weren’t allowed a Slushie this year), multi-generational families in Christmas jumpers/sparkly party dresses, even a smattering of local dignitaries.
Then the curtain went up and the magic began: stars twinkling, dancing, music – all enhanced by special effects. Miri sang along to some songs I hadn’t even heard before.
All the ingredients necessary for a good panto were there: the extravagant dame (Mark Two) with shiny pink/red/orange Doc Martins and ten changes of costume; slapstick with a pantomime cow; Jack’s fiancée, the beautiful Princess Jill played by Abi Ellis-Walter (would Jack have had financial problems if he was engaged to a Princess?); Fleshcreep – a fittingly named villain.
There were also the requisite celebs: a fresh-faced Richard Blackwood, who looked at least 20 years younger than his actual age, and Clair Norris, accompanied by the Eastenders theme tune every time she sparkled her way on to the stage. I was impressed by ‘the biggest Giant in Pantoland’ and haven’t a clue how they created him. All this was topped off with an exuberant finale.
As usual, the stars of the show were regulars Ben Watson (Silly Simon) and Tim McArthur (Fleshcreep) who also directed the production. They never disappoint with their clever wordplay (think Wonky Donkey-style alliteration), their water pistols, and their ability to get the audience participating – perhaps I should apologise to the lady in front of us who had to endure Miri and Grandpa bellowing “IT’S BEHIND YOU!” so loudly that she had to put her fingers in her ears.
Miri’s verdict:
“It was great. I liked it when the actors were chased by ghosts and we had to shout out. And Jack’s mother was funny when she took her wings off. She looked amazing when she was flying up to the top of the beanstalk. But the funniest thing was Silly Simon when he told his mum he needed to have a wee and …”
But I won’t spoil it for you – go and see it yourself.
Tickets available at: whiterocktheatre.org.uk/whats-on/event/jack-and-the-beanstalk-panto-2025
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