Jack and the Beanstalk at The Hawth, Crawley Review

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

Reviewed by Emma booth

Last night we were treated to a fabulous performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s legendary pantomime at The Hawth Theatre in Crawley. Having been to a pantomime there a few years back I had high expectations and hoped I would not be disappointed.

The story of Jack and the Beanstalk is known by all I’m sure, and follows the tale of Jack who must sell his beloved cow for some much-needed funds, who then end up swapping his cow for some magic beans which he then grows. This pantomime tale has a baddie called Fleshcreep who takes the cow up to the Giant who live at the top of the Beanstalk to have for their breakfast.

Are the Giants as bad as they seem? You will just have to go watch the pantomime yourselves to find out! 

This year‘s baddie Fleshcreep is played by the brilliant Steve McFadden who most will know as Phil Mitchell from EastEnders and needs no introduction. Steve McFadden is perfectly cast as the baddie, my only criticism is that I felt we didn’t see that much of him in the show, but we loved what we did see of him.

The main star of the show has to be the pantomime dame who this year is Dame Trot played by the outrageously glamorous Michael J Bachelor who has impeccably comedic timing and plays the part with great enthusiasm. The jokes and gags come thick and fast and the sound of the entire audience laughing fills the auditorium.

There were so many standout parts it’s hard to pick just one out, but we loved the Giant. I loved the part where Billy who is Jack’s brother and played by Joey Willby does what I can only describe as become a huge bouncy pea. It was hilarious, so much so that my face ached from laughing so much.

There were so many great cast members who were all amazing including Joe Gash who played Jack Trot and Annell Odartey who played the fairy, she had the most beautiful voice. My daughter loved all the great songs and the music in the show, there was a real mix of genres, my son enjoyed the part where the ghost scares everyone one by one. I’ve seen this before but it never gets old.

It was a truly magical night and one I would wholeheartedly recommend to young and old it, was a real treat! The Hawth Theatre has to be one of my favourite theatres, I love that it has plenty of free parking and is easy to find.

I also love that the theatre isn’t too big so wherever you sit you get a good view of the stage. I found all the food and snacks to be reasonably priced and we certainly enjoyed the ice creams.

The staff at The Hawth have to be the friendliest I’ve come across, always happy to help, and nothing was too much for them. I think it’s safe to say we all had such a great night and Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to see a pantomime and this is certainly one not to be missed.

Rating: 5/5
Showing until the 5th January
Prices from £21
The Hawth Theatre Crawley

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.