A Magical Night of Laughter and Surprises at “Jac and the Beanstalk” Pantomime in Cardiff’s New Theatre
Last night, our family continued a cherished tradition by attending the New Theatre Cardiff’s annual panto, and this year’s production of “Jac and the Beanstalk” did not disappoint. The festive atmosphere was already in full swing after a day of Christmas activities the past week, and with Christmas jumpers on and spirits high, we were ready for an evening of laughter and entertainment. …Oh yes, we were!
The story goes , We follow Jac, and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime Jac and the Beanstalk. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jac and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant, rescue their beloved Daisy the panto cow and end the giants rein of terror.
The cast of characters, led by local the talent Adam Bailey as Jack Trot, brought the classic tale to life with energy and charm. Tv legend Lesley Joseph portrayed the whimsical Spirit of Beans, while Aaron James took on the role of Jack’s brother, the hilariously silly Simon. Returing for another year Danquah reprised her role as Princess Jill, Jack’s fearless friend, and Steve Arnott delighted as the dastardly villain Fleshcreep and the amazing Mike Doyle as Jac’s mother.
The show kicked off with Adam Bailey’s Jack Trot introducing us to his quirky family, setting the stage for the whimsical adventure that awaited. and what better way to start night was the introduction of Mike Doyle, a staple in the New Theatre panto tradition. His signature catchphrase, “How you doing? Oright!” resonated through the theater, setting the tone for an evening of uproarious fun.
A new addition to the Cardiff pant family was, Arran James, who brought a fresh and very funny take to the role of Silly Simon. His one-liners were delivered with perfect timing, earning roars of laughter from the audience. Silly Simon’s jokes were not only cheesy but also clever, allowing both my children 8 and 13 and myself to enjoy the humour on different levels.
We are introduced to Steve Arnott very early on, who played the villainous Fleshcreep, which gave us a early sign that this production was going to be slightly scarier than pantos past. Arnott skilfully garnered boos and hisses with his creepy appearance and next-level scary makeup and loud bellowing voice added to his sinister character.
Denquar Chupak, now back for a second year in her role as Princess Jill, added a touch of bravery and wit to the ensemble, serving as Jack’s loyal companion in the quest to retrieve Daisy the cow, still belting out the numbers with her fantastic voice and beaming smile allowed the classic story to stay on track.
Lesley Joseph’s performance as the Spirit of the Beans was nothing short of superb. Her comical portrayal, seamlessly falling in and out of character with a hint of Dorian Green naughtiness, left us laughing in our seats. Joseph’s entrances and exits, often accompanied by a puff of smoke, added an element of magic to the stage, captivating the audience with every appearance.
A standout aspect of the evening was the brilliant Mike Doyle as Dame Trot. This on-stage chemistry, outrageous costumes and fantastic singing voice , contributing to the overall hilarity of the production. Mike’s ability to interact with Silly Simon added depth to the comedic elements, creating memorable moments that resonated throughout the audience. I can’t remember a panto without Mike Doyle and frankly i don’t want to! Origh’
This production maintained a traditional feel, with a focus on lively songs and dance routines. The elaborate stage design didn’t stop the performances to take centre stage, creating an intimate connection with the audience. But why should you go and see Jack and the Beanstalk? Well The standout moment of the evening came after the interval with the introduction of a 3-D giant in act two, adding a thrilling and immersive element to the show that had the audience screaming. The use of 3-D technology, featuring spiders, snakes, and a giant , was executed flawlessly, creating a realistic and highly entertaining experience for both children and adults.
The entire show was a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, with a fantastic supporting cast for dance routines and all the essential elements that make a pantomime truly magical. From the classic “o yes it is!” moments to the timeless “if i was not in Pantomime song”, the performance was authentic, enchanting, and filled with non stop comedy. The brilliant set, polished dance routines, and moments of perfect comedy left us thoroughly swept up in the joy of the holiday season. “Jac and the Beanstalk” at the New Theatre Cardiff proved to be one of the best pantomimes yet, offering a magical night of laughter, surprises, and holiday cheer for the whole family. This is a shoe You should simply go and see for yourself before the Christmas magic comes to an end, which is Sunday 7th January.
New Theatre Cardiff- until 7th January 2024
Tickets newtheatrecardiff.co.uk/Online/pantomime-tickets-cardiff-wales-2023
