Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield Review

Reviewed by Louise Totton

Having reached the grand old age of 34, I am almost embarrassed to admit that I have never, ever, been to a pantomime. Well, I hadn’t until last night, when my two daughters and I were lucky enough to have been invited along to the Lawrence Batley Theatre (LBT) in our hometown of Huddersfield to see their panto for 2017: Jack and the Beanstalk. My girls are 5 and 8, so both are familiar with the story of Jack and the Beanstalk and were as excited as I was for the occasion.

The LBT is a small theatre in Huddersfield town centre. There is ample parking nearby, and all within a short walk – we parked at the Market Hall multi-storey, which is only £1 a visit after 6pm. I collected our tickets from the box office, purchased the obligatory light-up wand for the kids and we made our way to our seats.

The theatre is a lovely, small and intimate setting – it feels almost diminutive if you’re used to a larger theatre like the Alhambra, but it really is cosy and means you’re never far from the action. The set looked fabulous – very inviting and glittery. We couldn’t wait for the performance to start!

I have to say that it was a total hoot from start to finish. The actors were brilliant and getting the audience involved and all of the characters were brilliant. My own personal favourite was the star of the show – Dame Dorothy Trott (Jack’s mother), played by Robin Simpson. She was simply fantastic throughout, and we all really looked forward to what Dame Trott would do next. Her costumes were just brilliant and the timing of Dame Trott, and all of the cast, was spot on.

There was heckling at the villain of the piece – the dastardly and camp Nightshade, roaring laughter at King Crackpot and I think it’s fair to say that everyone was rooting for Jack and his chances with Princess Jill.  My eldest loved the Gangnam-themed rap about Buttercup the cow, and I thought the Bohemian Rhapsody skit was hilarious. My youngest couldn’t catch her breath, she was laughing so much at the farting scene. The singing and dancing were faultless. There was the customary custard pie, “oh no he isn’t, oh yes he is” shouts and much more.

We had a completely wonderful evening, and both of the girls decreed it as the best evening EVER! As I said, I had never been to a panto before, but I now plan to make it part of our Christmas tradition; what a wonderful way to start the Christmas festivities.

I think the cosiness of the theatre really added to the atmosphere too. The LBT really is a super venue and we will absolutely be back. I would urge anyone who can get there to take the time to go and see it.

Fantastic, camp and sparkly fun for all the family.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £12 to £18 (booking fees may apply).

Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Lawrence Batley Theatre inHuddersfield from 8 December 2017 to 6 January 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thelbt.org or call the box office on 01484 430528.

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP