Jack And The Beanstalk At Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Sue Rumble
Pantomime season is here again – Oh Yes it is!! Everyone loves a good pantomime where both young and old are entertained with a good story, singing, audience participation and slapstick – not forgetting the great costumes.
The Spa Centre is at the bottom of The Parade in Leamington Spa. You can get there by car or train to Leamington train station – about a 15 minute walk away. Parking is available on street – pay and display or the nearest car park is Rosefield Street located a few feet away, just across the road – maximum charge for 24 hrs £7
The Royal Spa Centre is a receiving house theatre with 667 seats, and a Studio Cinema with 188 seats. The Box Office is located at Leamington’s Visitor Information desk in the Royal Pump Rooms and at Warwick Visitor Centre.
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 performance day and time and also where you decide to sit.
The story of Jack and the Beanstalk is well known by all. This pantomime kept most of the traditional story with a twist or two in the story to give it an individuality. Dame Dolly Trot is a farmer and lives with her two sons, Jack and Simon. They are struggling and have fallen on hard times having no option but to sell their beloved cow Daisy. The villain in the story in Lavinia Lifestyle who is working for the Giant and vows to ruin the farm and the whole village. When Jack takes Daisy to market to get gold sovereigns to pay the rent he is tricked by Lavinia who buys Daisy for five beanburgers and a promise of money each month when Daisy performs her dancing. How ever Lavinia is just taking Daisy to the Giant for a feast. Jack and his girlfriend vow to rescue Daisy to save the farm, defeat the Giant and Lavinia and free the village.
We were looking forward to a good, traditional pantomime with all that is expected and were not disappointed. JP McCue plays dame Dolly Trot and is a brilliant pantomime dame with all the crazy costumes, jokes – an amazing performance. Every member of the cast did a fantastic job of and there was some great singing – Lily, Jacks girlfriend has an amazing voice. All of the dancing was amazing too.
The scenery was simple but extremely effective and when the giant appeared he was obviously very big and scary. Costumes were great with Dame Dolly having some outrageous ones – her disguise when seeing the giant was Barbie with Simon being Ken – cue a song.
The cast got the audience participating really well. Dame Dolly picked on a member of the audience making him sing “Hello Dolly” when she appeared on stage. The songs throughout were a great mix of modern songs and older ones so that every member of the audience had the chance to sing along if the wanted. There was the expected “He’s behind you”, “Oh no he didn’t” and lots of cheers and boos.
All in all a brilliant night, full of fun and laughter – no matter how old you are.
Date of performance – 10th December 2023
Date of review – 11th December 2023
Running Time – 2.5hrs including 20 minute interval
Rating out of 5 – 5 out of 5
Price of tickets – £21.00 – £26.50
Buy tickets – boxoffice@warwickdc.gov.uk
Tickets & information – 01926 334418
Venue – Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV32 4HN
Dates showing – 9th December 2023 – 7th January 2024
(signed performance 29th December. Relaxed performance 6th January)
Rating: 5/5
Royal Spa Centre – Leamington Spa – Jack & The Beanstalk.
Jack and the Beanstalk