REVIEW: Jack & The Beanstalk: St Helen's Theatre Royal

 

Regal Entertainment Ltd presented its half-term pantomime on Press night which fell on Saturday 23^rd October at St Helens Theatre Royal. The action-packed pantomime is scheduled to play for 15 performances until Sunday 31^st October. Directed by Chantelle Nolan, produced by Jane Joseph, the family production was presented to a full audience of adults and children and started promptly at 5pm. Previously available as an on-line broadcast, the excitement of the crowd was palpable as they gathered to watch this live event. It was clear that whilst the cast enjoyed delivering the on-line shows during Lockdown, they were delighted to be back on stage sharing their gifts with a live crowd. The audience showed their appreciation in the form of rapturous applause, laughter and audience participation.

From the outset, the lighting, costumes and energy were set to high-vibe mode, much to the delight of the audience, especially the younger members. When the sound of the giant rumbled through the auditorium "Fee Fi Fo Fum, I smell the blood of St Helen's Scum", it was clear that the local references and back-handed jibes would be frequent throughout the show. They were received with much hilarity by the audience.

The opening number introduced the leads, Jack and Princess Jill. A high-energy "Footloose" inspired choreographed piece kicked things off to a flying start culminating in Jack asking Jill to follow him on Tik-Tok. The beauty of panto is the re-telling of old timeless, fairytale classics with a dash of modern day humour and reference to everyday life. It makes the shows more relatable and humorous. 

Timothy Lucas played Jack and is no stranger to the stage at St Helens Theatre Royal. He immersed himself into the lead role with exuberance. His vocals were fantastic as he sang the numbers. The interaction between him and Olivia Sloyan (Princess Jill) was regal. 

As the crowd was introduced to the inhabitants of Regalville, levels of frivolity heightened as we met larger than life Dame Dolly Trott played by Mark Two. The neon clad, Doctor Martin wearing Dame repeatedly asked "Do you like my gear?" When you realise that the costumes that he wore were made and designed by him and his wife Dee, you will respond with an affirmative YES. The costumes are spectacular. Just wait for the final outfit worn by the Dame for the final scene. It is nothing short of spectacular! Shout out to Light Fantastic Ultra-violet Fantasy creations

Kudos to Choreographer Nazene Langfield who is the creative genius behind the dance scenes for the show. Numbers from Matilda (Revolting children) and The Bodyguard's "Queen of the night" were choreographed seamlessly. Credit must also be given to Callum Clarke, musical director for his excellent direction of the show.

Reece Sibald wrote the show as well as performing as Simple Simon. He engaged with the audience fantastically and kept the energy high. When he performed a rap / ditty and paid homage to the plethora of towns in the Merseyside region along with celebrities that hailed from the area, the audience was suitably impressed. From Newton-Le-Willows to Ken Dodd, the hall of fame was extensive.

Jenna Sian O'Hara is a familiar face at St Helens theatre Royal and she wows with her performance as Fairy Mary. Catherine Cunningham plays Mrs Fleshcreep. She was an endearing, understated "baddie" with a gentle aura as opposed to one eliciting hearty "boos". There was nothing evil about her.

Well done to the cast and creatives for creating and delivering an entertaining show; one which delight the crowds this season.

A big shout-out and thank you to Bill Elms Associates for the invitation to review the show.

So, what can you expect? For the adults, expect toilet humour and innuendo in abundance, for the children; lots of laughs and cheers and excitement as this Fairy Tale provides some much needed entertainment this October half-term. Take your family to the Panto and join Jack and Jill as they encounter a very hungry giant and the magic, magnificent beanstalk.

You can purchase your tickets here