Review: Jack and the Beanstalk shines at the Mayflower

This year’s outing is none other than Jack and the Beanstalk, which opened on Wednesday, December 18 and is running until Sunday, January 5.

The panto sees the return of street dance sensations Ashley Banjo and Diversity following their first Mayflower panto last year when they starred in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

READ MORE: Review: Elf the Musical lands in Hampshire in run up Christmas

Diversity brought their incredible dance moves back to the stage (Image: Mayflower Theatre) You know the story: Jack, here played by Ashley Banjo, sells his cow for some magic beans, which then grow into a beanstalk that allows him to visit a giant’s castle in the sky. However, this production has some twists, with some incredible street dancing from Diversity, a princess (ably brought to life by Lauren Hampton) who is more than willing to fight against the giant, and Jack’s possibly adopted little brother Silly Simon (played by a scene-stealing Kev Orkian) dragged along for a ride.

The play features some amazing, spectacular elements, including large, animatronic giants which seemed to come out of the stage towards the audience, an incredible growing beanstalk that erupted from the musician pit, stunning pyrotechnics and an incredible set that transported us around the magical kingdom of Southampton in the blink of an eye.

The show was also hilarious, with several great laugh-out moments including a long tongue twister, overdubbed singing from Silly Simon and some frankly ludicrous athletic wear.

However, there were some issues which stopped this show from receiving a flawless review. Dame Trot, played by a game Matt Rixon, seemed to be left with little to do throughout the show. I would have loved to have seen more done with the character, especially since the glimpses we did get were, frankly, incredible.

Anne Smith as Mrs Blunderbore (Image: Mayflower Theatre) SEE ALSO: Magic of Christmas and dance in fabulous performance of The Nutcracker

There were also some technical issues that left things a bit lacklustre. I’m not sure if it was due to where I was sitting in the audience, but the sound balance seemed to be a little off, and I struggled to hear the performers over the music when they were singing. When the Spirit of the Beans (Jacqueline Hughes) and Mrs Blunderbore (Anne Smith) first came on stage I found it difficult to hear them over the music, and I don’t think I was alone in this.

But those issues do not detract from how amazing the show is on a technical level, with multiple sequences leaving me open-mouthed in wonder.

Check out the pantomime if you get the chance, it was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had this festive season.