JACK and the Beanstalk is a fun-filled tale full of seasonal cheer, as Jack goes on his quest to get rid of the evil tax-lord giant, Blunderbore, and earn the hand in marriage of the fair princess.
The giant's wicked sidekick provided the requisite villainy to stomp alongside the brave hero, Jack, the pretty princess, the comic hero, Simple Simon and, of course, the wonderfully flamboyant Dame Trott.
With a stunning array of costumes, in their colourful gorgeous frivolity, and flock of high-rise wigs, Leon Craig is a saucy, provocative dame.
In the true spirit of pantomime, he is natural, robust and hilarious.
Former Eastender Angela Wynter (Yolande; I still can’t believe she left Patrick), is the gentle fairy waving her magic into the proceedings, guiding Jack (Allan Jay) on his adventure.
Thanks to The X Factor, we're all critics now, so it wasn’t just me who thought he could do with turning the volume down on his voice; less shout, more tune would be great.
And in the same vein, Strictly Come Dancing had me thinking the dance routines could be a little more imaginative.
They are redeemed, however, by the hugely talented children among the troupe who could teach the adults a thing or two.
A fabulous hip hop street dance routine at the gates of the Giant’s Castle is impressive and it’s great to think this could be the start of a career in theatre for these kids.
The star of the show is Simple Simon, with Comedy impressionist Tony Rudd, showcasing his fine skills, even telling some Two Ronnies style jokes that exceeded my (fairly low) expectations of the level of humour.
While Herbie Adams’ King Crumble gets the audience suitably involved.
The Giant could have appeared on stage more, but we see the Golden Hen and the Magical Harp and along with wonderful painted backdrops, the whole production has all the elements for a fun festive pantomime.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at The Broadway Theatre in Catford until January 2. To book, call 020 8690 0002 or visit broadwaytheatre.org.uk
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