REVIEW: Easter Panto - Jack & The Beanstalk - Epstein Theatre Liverpool

It's that time again when Regal Entertainment dished out a hearty helping of family fun for the present season. The Easter pantomime production of Jack & The Beanstalk saw the return of some familiar faces to Liverpool's much loved Epstein theatre's stage. The press night performance on Thursday 15th April did not disappoint with plenty of fun for adults and children alike.

The high-octane show is scheduled to run until Sunday April 24th. It's directed by Olivia Sloyan, written by Reece Sibbald and choreographed by Nazene Langfield. From the get-go, the scenes are high-vibrational and entertainingly hilarious. The audience are welcomed as we hear the Fee Fi Fo Fum of the giant which declares that it can smell the blood of Scouse scum. The resident villain Mrs Fleshcreep announces to Fairy Mary that she thinks he's "fit" and the tone is set for the rags to riches tale.

Protagonist Timothy Lucas (Jack) is phenomenal. I've seen him perform many times and he was on top form. With his witty exchanges and exuberant interaction with both the audience and the cast, the show flowed with ease. His use of Scouse colloquialisms added to the hilarity as the audience could relate to the familiar regional references. When he exclaimed that the giant "is causing Pyar chaos," the audience erupted in laughter. (Pyar is a synonym of pure for the benefit of readers not familiar with the Scouse vernacular.)

With TikTok, Putin and Oscar references, the show felt so current and en trend. Dame Dolly Trott is played by Mark Two who like in other productions enlists the audiences opinion on the multitude of costume changes by repeatedly asking "Do you like my gear?" Mark once again wows the audience with designs created by his own fair hand and his wife's Dee. Kudos to Light Fantastic Ultra -Violet fantasy creations.

The choreography was excellent and the musical numbers were delivered with precision. My favourite scenes were "Revolting Children" from Matilda and "What a picture."  The musical direction was fantastic by Callum Clarke.

Lewis Devine plays Simple Simon and he performs with such high energy throughout, you can't help but participate every time he explodes onto the stage. He engages with the golden ticket winner children in such a fabulous way too. Princess Jill is played by Maddie Hope Coelho, Mrs FleshCreep by Abigail Middleton and Fairy Mary by the incredible Olivia Sloyan who stepped in following Jenna Sian O'Hara's illness.

There are barrels of laughs in this panto. The adult humour is fast and furious but tastefully and cleverly done. The innuendo's escape the awareness of younger ears. Judging by the rapturous belly-laughs enjoyed by the mums, dads and adults in the audience, the jokes were well received and the cause of much joy.

The costumes for the whole cast were magnificent, the lighting was spot on and the overall experience was superb. This is undoubtedly the best panto I've seen in all my years of theatre-going. I loved it and so did my guests. A huge thanks to Bill of Bill Elms Associates for inviting me to review. Additionally, a huge congratulations to Bill on his recent joint venture of managing the Epstein with his fellow producer Chantelle Nolan. After the past few years of lockdown, this theatre deserves every success. Based on last night's performance, it would be a travesty if this was not the case.

You can catch the pantomime until Sunday 24th April. Secure your tickets by clicking here  Tickets start from £14 Get yours now and enjoy a fun, magical journey through Regalville this Easter.

Photo Credits: David Munn Photography

Five star Review Rating *****

Epstein Theatre: Telephone booking 0844 888 9991