Jack And The Beanstalk At Birmingham Hippodrome Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
Fee-fi-fo-fum, it’s panto season in Brum!
The season continues with a production of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the unrivalled Birmingham Hippodrome. With its West End vibe, it’s the quintessential venue in which to enjoy the magic and marvel of pantomime in the Midlands.
As if often tradition, we visit the Panto every year as a family – usually on the run up to Christmas. This is the first time we have seen it the other side of New Year and, with back to school and work looming, I was interested to see if the performance would be as joyful.
It was a crisp January night and the evening was still full of festive cheer as families and friends were greeted warmly at the venue. As you always find at the Hippodrome, there was a buzz in the air as we settled into our comfortable seats and waited for the curtain to rise on an incredible looking stage.
Welcoming us to the faraway land of Old Brum on the Tame, comedic powerhouse and panto veteran Matt Slack, as Jake Trot, brother of the titular hero, opened the show with a prologue – the Giant Blunderbore and his army are terrorising the Kingdom; with regular farm and field sacrifices required to protect the folk from their forks. Jack has had enough and has vowed to defeat the giants, as well as win the heart of Princess Jill.
In every appearance, Matt brings down the house and delights with clever and quick lines, physical and side-splitting comedy. One unforgettably hilariously cheeky musical skit filled the auditorium with unbroken laughter. It was absolute genius writing!
Quickly followed on stage, in a scene filled with incredible special effects and pyrotechnics, the prologue is completed by star of stage and screen Samantha Womack. Having a wickedly good time as the Giant’s wife Mrs Blunderbore, her theatrical and musical talents are utilised throughout the production.
With more than a bosom full of double entendres and extravagant costumes (which are an attraction in their own right), Andrew Ryan takes on the traditional dame role as Jack’s mother. He’s purely puntastic and spars perfectly with everyone on stage. Most definitely a favourite of young and old alike and in his 33rd year donning the drag. The writing and costuming team did an incredible job with this character.
TV treasure, and local lass, who requires no introduction, Alison Hammond lights up the stage as The Spirt of the Beans. A Fairy Godmother of the screen (in the bringing of happiness to viewers, not her age), Alison’s pride in her hometown panto debut shines through in her wonderful performance. Plus, she gets to put her Strictly Come Dancing experience to use!
Completing the comedic quintet, local treasure Doreen Tipton is ‘udderly’ superb as Doreen, The Lazy Cow. The Trot family’s beloved bovine who is traded for magic beans and needs rescuing from the Giant’s plate. With ‘mooving’ musical numbers and expressions that ‘hide’ nothing, she has to be seen to ‘beeflieved’.
Triple-threat Alexanda O’Reilly plays the loveable Jack Trot. Relishing performing to his home crowd, with a genuine warmth, Alex was brilliant in every scene. But none more so in his interactions with his character’s family. It was great fun when the ‘script slipped’, usually because of Matt Slack and how Alex handled these moments was a delight. Without a doubt, the cast were having a riotous time!
As Jack’s love interest, Billie-Kay (Princess Jill), lights up the stage, the chemistry between the two and their co-stars was marvellous. They invested a great deal into their roles and will undoubtedly be leading musicals in the years to come.
Complementing the cast throughout the production were an accomplished and brilliant ensemble. These up-and-coming stars were fully invested and enjoying their part in the extravaganza; singing and dancing their hearts out. Furthermore, extraordinary recognition goes to the orchestral and technical teams – for the stunning staging and costuming, combined uplifting original tunes with perfectly timed sound and visual effects too. Each act seemed more spectacular than the last!
Overall, the scene changes and musical interludes were punchy and perfectly balanced for the audience age range. An original musical score was mixed with pop hits from across the decades and always had the audience bopping and clapping along. The narrative flowed easily and we were left wanting more. Superb writing and direction, with incredibly high production values.
I am delighted to conclude that pantomime of this quality can be enjoyed at any time of year.
You know the story, magic beans n’ all… however this terrific tale will keep you hooked and laughing until the very end. My only wish is the show could have lasted longer; it was simply magnificent! Before you go to market, book your tickets to the Royal Kingdom of Brum this New year, because panto season continues and is not to be missed! Jack and the Beanstalk at Birmingham Hippodrome is a spellbinding and winter treat for the whole family.
Five GIGANTIC stars!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £18.
On Stage until 28th January 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/jack-and-the-beanstalk or call the box office on 0844 338 5000
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
The splendorous Birmingham Hippodrome stands within a clean, well-lit, and popular cultural heart of the city. The historic area and venue has benefited from extensive regeneration and considered transport links over the last two decades. The Theatre is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for a great day or night out in the bustling city. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful. The Bullring and Grand Central train station are a short walk away.
The main foyer is modern and spacious, leading to all accessible levels. We were greeted warmly on entering and felt a buzz in the air. We found the bars/concession stands to be well manned, stocked with a wide range of hot/cold drinks and treats; all of standard prices for theatres. I have sat in both stall and dress circle seats; both are very comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.
Photo credit: Birmingham Hippodrome