A Giant Panto Production: Oxford’s Jack and the Beanstalk

To be honest, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to reviewing a Pantomime. I fully understand that they are huge part of British culture. My husband remembers being taken to them when he was small, having an ice-cream and shouting “It’s behind you” at the top of his lungs. I’ve only seen a few Pantos — local productions where I knew most of the cast  — and I found them a bit difficult to get through. But Jack in the Beanstalk at the Oxford Playhouse really delivers — dames, drama, dancing, and slapstick — it’s all there in a giant way.  My five-year-old summed it up in a few words: “it was the best show ever”.

Ex-Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan, who wrote and directed this production, cleverly combines modern themes with the age old story of the human eating giant and the bean stalk that grows and grows. The giant lives in a type of cyber city — a place of laptops, computers, CCTV and heavy metal music (his idea of hell I wonder?) In the end, the giant disappears when we all close our eyes and pretend we don’t see him or his world. Now that’s a modern message.

From the music (I will survive! and Thriller) to the fantastic costumes (which are literally larger than life) to the slapstick (“moooo-seli” for breakfast for Buttercup the cow) this production had all audience members entertained. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but somehow this panto does it. It was good fun for all of us.

This review is part of the Great British Panto Review campaign. If you have enjoyed this review, and have a little cash to spare, even just a teeny weeny bit, then please head over to the Just Giving page and help us to help families whose children aren’t facing the best Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk is showing 4 December to 17 January at the Oxford Playhouse. Tickets range from £11 — £21.50, discounts and group rates available). They have a creche at selected performances and a “drop and shop” day on 4 January.

Photo credit: Robert Day