There is nothing better to get you in the festive spirit than attending a Pantomime. Layered in British tradition, the Panto is nothing but pure escapism for a couple of hours. It entertains everyone of all ages whilst not taking itself seriously to allow the audience to revel in hilarity and glee.
The Bournemouth Panto is one highlight of the year for many locals. With familiar faces returning to the stages year after year, and local jokes that keep everyone amused, it's easy to see why it's a hit year after year. This year, the tale of choice was Jack and the Beanstalk. Whilst having some local competition with this show (which they even made a nod too); it had the audience engaged from the first "Boo" too the last "He's behind you!".
The story opens with us meeting our villian Fleshcreep (played by Calum Lill), who explains that in this world, the giant rules the land and as his henchman, he helps create chaos and power over the residents. As Fleshcreep spins his story you are introduced to The Vegetable Fairy (Ceris Hine) who promised to keep the land safe. From there you are introduced to Jack (David Ribi), his mum Dame Trott (Oli Brooks), his brother Simple Simon (Noel Brodie) and the King (Chris Fearn) and Princess Jill (Rachel Grundy). Throughout the story you follow the tale you are all familiar with; Jack selling his precious cow for magic beans, with some twists and turns along the way. But will there be a happy ending, or will the Giant conquer all?
As with all pantos, nothing is quite as it seems. With slapstick comedy, audience interactions, and even moments where 3D glasses were required, there was always the unexpected around the corner to keep audiences on their toes. I loved the way that the cast wove in nods to places, shows, and relevant topics alongside keeping it light and hilarious. Similarly, I loved how the team worked their magic with 3D glasses. I won't give too much away, however there were squeals and screams from throughout the theatre. With clever trickery, this show sparked imaginations of old and young.
Brodie was back again as Simple Simon. Entertaining audiences for the past 10 years at the Bournemouth Panto, it feels like a second home and he led the audience with brilliant timing and quips throughout the show. His partnership with Brooks as Dame Trott was brilliant. Both bringing the belly laughs from curtain up to last bows. Lill's stage debut as Fleshcreep was fantastic. You would have never guessed this was his first stage role, he took to the part with ease and managed to deal with any crowd heckles as if he had been doing it for years. Ribi and Grundy brought down the house as Jack and Jill. Their duets and on stage chemistry were effortless and you could truly see their friendship radiate on stage.
Whilst the story was fantastic and the jokes were hilarious, the songs were just as brilliant. As with all perfect pantomimes, the songs were relevant with tweaks. With nods to Chappell Roan's 'Hot To Go', and Wicked's 'What is this Feeling'; I'm always blown away by the creative path that these creative teams take and the Bournemouth panto was no exception. I truly was left dancing in my seat along with the rest of the audience.
With catchy songs, hilarious jokes, brilliant storytelling and traditional pantomime tropes, Jack and the Beanstalk was a truly wonderful hit. If I'm going to tell you anything else, it's that you won't want to miss it!
*Tickets currently on sale with shows running until 05/01/2025. For more info and to get your tickets, please follow the link here: Jack and the Beanstalk
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