Jack And The Beanstalk At Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Review

Reviewed by Sue Rumble

Booking & getting there
The Belgrade Theatre is centrally located in the city centre off Corporation Street, about 10 minutes walk from Pool Meadow Bus Station and 15 minutes walk from the railway station. Parking is avaiIable at the NCP Belgrade Plaza Car Park which is clearly signposted from the ring road (junction 9). Prices of parking vary dependant on length of stay and whether you pay on the day or pay via the app. There are a number of restaurants and bars close to the theatre if you want to have a meal before the show.

Venue & facilities
The Belgrade Theatre was built in 1958 and has undergone renovations to include a second smaller space. There is a café downstairs serving food, hot and cold drinks and a really nice bar space upstairs with further bars up and downstairs serving drinks at the interval.

Price & Value
The price range of tickets, in my opinion, is extremely good value for money given the quality and length of performance. Prices are dependent on your chosen performance day and time and also where abouts in the theatre you decide to sit.

Plot Overview
This fairy story is set in the village of Prickly Bottom where the evil giant Blunderbore is causing havoc! The king has a magic harp which Blundermore wants to steal along with the Princess. The villagers need help but who can defeat the giant. Jack’s family have to sell their precious cow, but Jack takes magic beans instead of gold coins – can this be the answer?  This production has been written by and stars Coventry’s favourite dame Iain Lauchlan.

Review
What a great show – just what we expected from a traditional pantomime – lots of comedy, slapstick, singing and great costumes.
I attended this performance with my daughter and 2 seven year old girls – they were very excited before the show and were bouncing, singing, shouting and dancing all the way through.
The cast were all brilliant and the young dancers very good.
Iain Lauchlan played Dame Trott – amazing and he obviously thoroughly enjoys what he does including the ridiculous costumes and over the top makeup.
Fleshcreep, played by Andy Hockley who is a regular cast member at the Belgrade, was very funny and played his part of being the baddy very well, causing “boos” from the audience every time he appeared.
Simple Simon (Jacks brother) – played by Craig Hollingsworth was brilliant with his one liners and ad libs. He looked like he was really enjoying being a part of the show.
Princess Poppy played by Rochelle Hollis had a beautiful voice.
Morna Macperson did a great job as the lead character – girl playing boy.
How they make a bright pink fluffy cow with 2 people inside have such amazing expressions I don’t know but everybody fell in love with Daisy.
The scenery and effects were great, especially the growing, singing beanstalk – loved that bit. The choregraphy was brilliantly done from the dancing to the lemon meringue scene.
I would definitely recommend that people go to see this production. Once again, the Belgrade Theatre has produced a brilliant fun packed pantomime. We all came out feeling really happy. The girls didn’t stop talking and singing all the way home. Their favourite characters were Simon, Fleshcreep, Princess Poppy and the Fairy. They are already talking about next years pantomime – probably the best compliment that the Belgrade can get for this performance.

Date of performance – 25th November 2022
Date of review – 26th November 2022
Running Time – 2hr 45 mins including 20 min interval.
Rating out of 5 – 5 out of 5
Price of tickets – £15.00 to £38.50
Buy tickets – www.belgrade.co.uk
Tickets & information – 02476 553055
Venue – Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
Dates showing – Wed 23rd November 2022 – Sat 7th January 2023

Belgrade Theatre – Jack and the Beanstalk