Review: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Norwich Theatre
Photo credit: Dinky in Norfolk
This year’s pantoland offering from Norwich Theatre is Jack & the Beanstalk. Under the direction of Chris Cuming, the performance is vibrant, well-paced, funny, modern and quintessentially panto.
The story is aptly set in the town of ‘Norwich’ where all of its residents have had their gold stolen by Bonecrunch the Giant, which is being collected and guarded by the panto villain Nightshade. The quest follows the hero Jack, who sells his beloved cow Pat in exchange for beans, which leads to climbing the beanstalk (impressively, during a rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ it has to be said) to save the town.
Immediately what strikes you is the vibrancy of the show, from the multicolour set and costumes, including some enviable sequin outfits, as well as some brilliant signage which pays homage to some of Norwich’s finest shops and landmarks.
Joe Tracini takes on the title character of Jack, who is a standout performer that ultimately steals the show, with moments of sheer brilliance which will have you wondering if they are scripted or improvised - the comic timing is effortless.
Rufus Hound, you also can’t help but laugh on each of his entrances, and Richard Gauntlett as the panto dame complete the comedy trio that this panto thrives on. Richard in particular delivers a witty, sharp Dame Trott, which is understandable given that this is his 22nd performance at the theatre…and alongside Rufus, they deliver a completely unexpected version of David Guetta’s ‘Crazy What Love Can Do’ - only in a panto!
Other stand out performers are Linda John-Pierre, providing sensational vocals including a very impressive mega-mix of hits old and new, and Amanda Henderson who is invariably the coolest cow that you instantly warm to, and with an effortless quality delivers a medley of cow puns which you will always find yourself smiling at.
This show is bursting with comedy from the outset, and it’s certainly one of the elements that makes this performance feel both fresh, modern, current but yet with all the heart of a traditional panto.
Talking of heart, there is a beautiful moment of stillness in the second half, demonstrated by Joe Tracini, which touches on remembering the child in all of us. It’s such a moment of warmth in and amongst the humour, which is so touching, rarely seen in a panto, and yet felt perfectly timed. Coupled with heart, the show provides plenty of surprises, which come in the way of the set pieces; the beanstalk, giant and some of the technical elements of the show, which need to be seen to be believed.
With an extraordinary backdrop, excellent song choices, an enthusiastic ensemble and stellar cast performances, the show perfectly captures the essence of panto and will leave you feeling festive and full of love!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Lauren Farley
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Norwich Theatre until 7 January 2023, with tickets available here.