Jack and the Beanstalk at the Pomegranate Theatre Chesterfield Review

Reviewed by Joy Wright

We saw Jack and the Beanstalk at the Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield on opening night and it’s sure to be a show which is talked about in and around Chesterfield. In the lead role as Jack is Lee Latchford-Evans of Steps fame, now of course, some of the earliest fans of steps are now parents just taking their kids to their first pantomimes, so there’s a little bit of a following and a lot of singing along. Lee is everything the lead male should be, handsome and charming throughout. Opposite him is Andrea Valls in the role of Princess Jess, because every pantomime has to have a love story or two and a winsome young lady. You’ll perhaps know her best as Mum from Waffle The Wonder Dog on CBeebies.

Any production with famous names usually grabs a crowd and this is no exception! The story closely follows the standard tale of Jack and the Beanstalk but as any pantomime has a formula so does this and so there are a few adaptations here and there to keep the panto traditions.

The second love story is that of Dame Trott, (Jack’s mother), and King Crumble. Simon Howe’s panto dame is exactly as it should be, a whirl of eccentric frocks, wigs and outrageous silliness and played against Paul Giddings King they’re a good match.

Perhaps the most unexpected is Paul Eastwood as Simon Trott, Jack’s brother. He’s the panto fool, a character who moves the plot along with jests of all types and as Paul is a stand up comedian the laughs come often. So often even the cast were laughing. There are a number of standard gags, the local references which belong in every local pantomime, I’m pretty sure there was a fair bit of adlibbing in there on the first night as well and it went down well with the crowd. There are a few saucy quips too, some of which went over my kid’s heads, a couple which made them gasp and laugh too.

Janine Pardo is lovely as the Spirit Of The Beans, a fairy godmother type of role, the fate which dictates the tale. She has a lovely voice and fulfils the role beautifully.

Fleshcreep is the Giant’s lackey, his henchman if you like and Alexander Lee who plays the part has a number of tricks up his sleeve which will no doubt please the audience, I won’t spoil the surprise. There are six ensemble dance members bringing a swish of professional dance to the show. We especially loved Firestarter and it was refreshing to see a dance routine with some grit and style taking centre stage, kudos to choreographer Claire Waterall for that one. Those six are backed by a host of young dancers from dance and performance schools in and around Chesterfield, too numerous to mention. They perform in rotation so if you’re going to watch a family member or friend be sure to get the right night.

The musical performances are provided by a host of professionals with a long history in music including Dr Simon Fricker and Phil Jeffery.

The Pomegranate Theatre is a jewel in a very old town, an area often overlooked in terms of art and being at the cutting edge of performance however, it’s a beautiful building with a lot to offer. The only downside we could see is the exceptionally long queue for the ladies – something which has long persecuted even the swankiest of theatres. 

Jack and the Beanstalk is well placed at The Pomegranate to be enjoyed by all. At the end of the show there’s a Steps medley, an audience participation song, Christmas song and the wedding so don’t dash out too early to miss the crowds or you’ll miss the grand finale too!  

No doubt director Robert Wheeler will be proud to have a packed house most nights. Don’t leave it too late to get your seat.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £12.50 to £14.50 (booking fees may apply).

Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield from 6 December 2019 to 5 January 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or call the box office 01246 345 222.

Pomegranate Theatre, Corporation Street, Chesterfield, S41 7TX | 01246 345 222