Review: Jack and the Beanstalk at the Stafford Gatehouse

Writer: Eric Potts

Director: Richard Cheshire

This year’s Jack and the Beanstalk at the Stafford Gatehouse is a oustanding example of everything a panto should be – a touch of magic, a pure heart, a story that grips and comedy for all the ages.

Imagine Theatre are experts in the panto format, and it shows in the script from Eric Potts. Potts’ book really brings the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to the forefront, exploring character development, moments of warth, moments of love, moments of tension and magic blending seemlessly into the panto skits you’ll be craving this festive season.

Under Richard Cheshire’s direction, this is as slick they come while not fearing to take a pause to develop the story. A truly beautiful moment was when Wendy Abraham’s Fairy Fareaway sang somewhere over the rainbow, encouraging audience interaction and torch lights on phones.  It’s a poignant reminder of the power of panto and the creativity it inspires in its audience no matter your age. 

It’s Cheshire’s ability to find these parts while making every moment of this traditional panto hilarious, feelgood fun. His ability to balance the constantly evolving fairytale while exploring themes of friendship, love, and positivity and also consistently bringing deserves a huge amount of appreciation.

Joining Abraham again this year is her assistant Theo the Dairy Mouse (who funnily enough never appears on stage with Wink Taylor as Squire Penkridge). Theo creates a charming naughtiness to the evening for both adults and kids alike.

Samantha Spagg’s Poison Ivy is equally the perfect panto villain – a playfully evil character encouraging plenty of booing while not being too terrifying for younger audience members.

Ollie Hart-Bradford and Sophie Kandola make a great connection as the loved up couple with Jack and Jill. Both are very talented singers too, their duet of  Somwhere Only We Know sets the tone for their blossoming love and it continues to grow. Meanwhile Mark Rhodes, as Larry Trott, is everything you’ll want to see as a comedy character; he is likable and works the audience up with his natural charm.

It is David Phillips-Davis whoever who steals the show as Dame Tilly Trot. His wit is spot on, his ad libs are thick and fast, and his chinese menu inspired Largo al factotum brings the house down. Phillips-Davis is a trained classical musician, and this mash up of talent is a perfect example of the talent and craftsmanship that goes into making a panto of this quality.

The set and costumes by Imagine Theatre are lavish and the unique Little Shop of Horrors inspired Beanstalk was a clever touch. It’s Giant was particularly impressive, too.

Completing the show is a four strong professional ensemble joined by a talented company of a junior ensemble. They both fill the stage with joy and energy during a wave of positive, fun filled musical numbers creating a giant success of a panto

This year’s Stafford panto gives you everything you want in a panto and more. Featuring highlighly ‘amoosing’ routines, this show doesn’t put a foot out of place. Gather your golden eggs as this Staffordshire panto isn’t one to miss!

Value for Money Comments:

A medium scale, top quality priced panto priced between £23 and £32.50.

🎁This production was gifted in exchange for a fair and balanced review 🎁