Jack and the Beanstalk at the Mansfield Palace Theatre Review

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Panto season is in full swing and Mansfield Palace Theatre has set the pace with their sensational offering to the Christmas tradition with one of our favourites, Jack and the Beanstalk!

As we entered the theatre, which was full of excited children and lots of Christmas jumpers, we were presented with 3D glasses for use in the second half.

The story doesn’t need retelling but we are introduced to Jack Trott, played by Bradley Judge, Simple Simon, his hilarious brother, played by Adam Moss who is back by popular demand for the 2nd year running, Dame Trott, played brilliantly by Craig Ansell, who has some amazingly flamboyant, crazy and hilarious outfits and headgear and Princess Jill, played by Clare Maynard. It is the Princess’ birthday and Jack has planned a surprise party for her.

The Giant, whose disembodied voice booms out from on high, is causing trouble by taking all the wealth from the town and leaving everyone poor and hungry. Jack spots his opportunity to win the Princess’s heart when the scatterbrain King (played by Michael Chance) announces whoever can kill the Giant will win his daughter’s hand in marriage. Meanwhile, Jack is sent off to sell the beloved family cow, Daisy for which he is tricked into exchanging her for a bag of beans, much to his mother’s disgust.

Mark Little (perhaps most well-known as Joe Mangel from Neighbours) stars as Fleshcreep, the giant’s child-hating henchman, who is determined to thwart any of Jack’s plans by kidnapping Princess Jill and taking her to the Giant’s castle to prepare her for the Giant’s next meal. Offering a little magic to help Jack along is the Fairy, played by Rebecca Wheatley (from TV’s Casualty) who has an extensive background in music and musical theatre and subsequently a great voice to accompany all of the other great music and singing. The first half ends as the beanstalk is revealed and Jack and his friends set off to save the Princess.

All of the classic pantomime features are rolled out during the course of the production with plenty of “it’s behind you”, custard pies and topical jokes about Brexit and Ryanair flight cancellations mixed in with friendly humour involving local dialect and neighbouring towns. The dancing from The Christine March School of Dance and Syncopation Performing Arts, two local theatre groups, is professional and flawless really showcasing the amazing talent that Mansfield has to offer.

The highlight of the show really is in the second half when we are told to put on the 3D glasses. Now we meet the Giant, and the fun really starts with an immersive experience exploring the spooky grounds of the Castle really bringing the magic of panto to life.

The pantomime started at 7pm with the first half finishing around 8.15pm. After an interval of around 15 minutes, the 2nd half resumed at 8.30pm and finished at 9.30pm. It is just about the right length of time for children to sit and if they want to have a little dance in the aisles this works too.

Mansfield Palace Theatre is located in the centre of the town. There is plenty of car parking available nearby as well as a great choice of shops and restaurants. The theatre has a bar and sells sweets and souvenirs.

A dazzling production full of all that is best about pantomime – lots of singing, dancing, laughs, amazing effects and a bit of naughtiness – it wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £14.50

Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Mansfield Palace Theatre from 2 December 2017 to 7 January 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk or call the box office on 01623 633133.

Mansfield Palace Theatre, Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 1NG