Jack and the Beanstalk at Grand Theatre Swansea Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Kathy Sanderson

Pantomime season is well and truly alive at the Grand Theatre Swansea, and this year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk might just be their best yet. With vibrant performances, jaw-dropping effects, and a wonderful balance of humour and heart, the show truly captured the magic of Christmas.

From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was transported into a world of bright, bold costumes and expertly crafted scenery. The digital effects were outstanding, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the adventure. The inflatable beanstalk that grew on stage was a real highlight, eliciting gasps and cheers from the audience, while the chopping down of the beanstalk was accompanied by thrilling graphics that brought the climax to life.

At the heart of the show was a stellar cast. The ever-charismatic Dame Trott, played by the fabulous Kevin Johns, stole the show with cheeky jokes and effortless rapport with the children in the audience. His one-liner, “Don’t cry for me, I’m a cleaner” was a comedic gem that had the entire theatre howling with laughter. Incorporating Build Me Up Buttercup to honour the beloved cow Buttercup was another fantastic touch, leaving the audience in stitches.

Buttercup the cow, by the way, was an absolute triumph. From her expressive movements to her stunning design, she was easily the best pantomime cow I’ve ever seen—a true scene-stealer!

The villainous Poison Ivy, played by the dynamic Jo Osmond, brought incredible energy to the stage, commanding attention with her fierce performance. Her interactions with the audience were both engaging and perfectly pitched, ensuring she was the character everyone loved to boo.

A particularly heart warming moment came when children from the audience were invited to sing on stage—a lovely touch that captured the spirit of inclusivity and fun that panto is all about. Seeing their smiles lit up the entire theatre and reminded us all why these productions remain such a cherished tradition.

While the show excelled in many areas, the character of the giant felt slightly underutilised. There was a sense that more could have been done to make him a central and memorable part of the story. Nevertheless, this was a minor quibble in what was otherwise a near-perfect production.

Overall, the exceptional costumes, brilliant humour, and outstanding performances from the cast made this a truly magical evening. It’s clear a great deal of care and creativity went into every detail, from the dynamic set design to the cleverly scripted jokes that appealed to both kids and adults.

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Grand Theatre Swansea is an absolute triumph, bringing festive joy to all who see it. With incredible effects, unforgettable characters, and endless laughter, it might just be the best panto Swansea has ever staged.

An amazing performance by everyone. Best panto I have been to!

Rating: 5/5
Tickets: From £20 (plus £2.50 transaction fee).
Show Details: Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Grand Theatre, Swansea, from 8th December 2024 – 5th January 2025. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.swanseagrand.co.uk or call the box office on 01792 475715.
Address: Swansea Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea, SA1 3QJ