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Panto! Jack and the Beanstalk at The Shaw Theatre, London

Featuring Nolan sisters Maureen and Linda as the leading ladies, Jack and the Beanstalk will definitely leave you in the “mood for dancing”.

It is clear to see that this panto is especially suited for young children not only evident from the vast amount of screaming kids waving their glow-in-the-dark wands about but also from the lack of complexity often seen in other pantos. Nonetheless, The Shaw Theatre’s Christmas panto provides a simple, relaxed show that is a joy for all the family to watch.

The first act opens with a rendition of a Hairspray number, a route which many productions have taken this year in pantomime; Jack and the Beanstalk choosing, ‘Good Morning Eustonville’. While leading man Devon Anderson’s singing fails to match his acting talent, Rosie Taylor as Princess Jill is consistent in delivering brilliant vocals throughout the show.

Other songs borrowed include Miley Cyrus’s ‘The Climb’ (very conveniently placed along with a giant inflatable beanstalk that bursts out into the first few rows of the audience) and the hilarious ‘I Like You Very Much’ performed by a cringe-worthy Dame Trott played by Rodney Ward. It is Jack’s gormless but endearing brother Silly Billy played by Joseph Peters however that really gets the audience going – and that’s not just by throwing out his sweets!

As for the literal stars of the show, Linda Nolan makes a convincing villain in Venus Flytrap whereas sister Maureen’s Fairy Sugarsnap doesn’t quite possess the pizazz most panto fairy godmothers have. Nevertheless, the siblings do have an undeniable – albeit inevitable considering their relationship – chemistry on stage and it is a pleasure to watch them sing together.

In all, Phillip Armstrong and John-Jackson Almond succeed in producing an enjoyable children’s classic along with loveable characters, wit and enough banter for the adults.

3/5

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