Jack and the Beanstalk

It’s that time of year again where booing is actively encouraged, there’s a laugh a minute, and men are dressed as women. That’s right – it’s panto time!

This year King’s Theatre plays host to Jack and the Beanstalk, a pantomime classic. Three of Scotland’s panto greats have again reunited; Grant Stott is deliciously evil as baddie Flashcreep, and gets a whirlwind of boos and hisses, intimidating members of the audience and confiscating sweeties as he skulks about. Allan Stewart is a hilarious and curiously convincing Dame May McTrot, and actually has a pretty good voice mimicking a woman, whilst Andy Gray as King Crumble makes an adorably innocent bumbling fool.

What is really great is the chemistry between the trio, especially as each takes his turn to try and make the others crack up into involuntary giggles. And of course no panto would be complete without a few forgotten lines and ad-hoc improvisations that have even the cast bent double with uncontrollable laughter.

The children of 'The Julie Mitchell Dance Academy' are wonderfully enthusiastic and precise with fantastic confidence – and most of all they really look like they’re enjoying themselves. They are well supported by the academy’s students and the professional ensemble, who add vibrance and energy.

Everything about the show is as a panto should be: the costumes are completely over-the-top and change with each new scene; the set is magical, with the highlight being a huge puppet giant the size and height of the entire stage.

Director Paul Elliott and Stewart’s script is full of up-to-date gags, with references to the likes of the elimination of X Factor’s Mary Byrne and Coronation Street’s disastrous tram crash. This is a hilarious show with a great atmosphere, but most of all it’s a heck of a lot of fun. Get together with some friends or make it a family night out, because this is a warm and satisfying way to spend an otherwise cold, wintry evening.