Review: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, King's Theatre, Edinburgh

The annual spectacular pantomime at the King's Theatre in Edinburgh has built a reputation for being one of the best in the country, and this year's production of Jack and the Beanstalk does not disappoint. From start to finish, it is a feast of laughter, music, colour and fun, and is sure to delight young and old alike.

As in previous years, it's the winning combination of first-class performances and numerous highly entertaining set pieces which place this pantomime into the 'must-see' category. The much-loved veteran trio of Allan Stewart (Dame Trot), Andy Gray (Hector) and Grant Stott (Fleshcreep) are this year joined by Greg Barrowman (Jack Trot), Rachel Flynn (feisty Princess Apricot) and Lisa Lynch (The Spirit of the Castle), and all six principals are a joy to watch - it's rare to see such natural chemistry so early in a show's run.

From his opening entrance rising from the orchestra pit on a model of the Forth Road Bridge (complete with red flashing lights on the tops of its towers - typical of this production's attention to detail), Allan Stewart leads the company brilliantly. His cheeky warmth, and ability to ad-lib and entertain, is the biggest single factor in the show's success. Having first played the Dame in Jack and the Beanstalk at this theatre in 1997, his faultless performance is a delight to witness, and his many scenes with Andy Gray - including a hilarious and exceptionally slick 'hit song excerpt' miming routine, in which Gray's facial expressions steal the show - provide some of the best moments. Grant Stott, once again well cast in the role of baddie, does well to keep a (mainly) harsh demeanour in amongst the comic escapades.

Greg Barrowman and Rachel Flynn also shine as the young couple in love. This is Barrowman's third consecutive King's pantomime, and this year his strong singing voice and charisma is matched by the superb vocals and dancing of sparkling local girl Flynn, a newcomer to the King's team following her previous pantomime appearances alongside the likes of John Barrowman, John Partridge and The Krankies. Lisa Lynch provides glamour and excellent diction, and both the Edinburgh Dance Academy and adult ensemble do themselves proud, not least as a menagerie of cuddly animals in a colourful Dr Dolittle scene.

One of the most memorable moments of last year's King's pantomime was when Allan Stewart and Andy Gray dressed up as Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond respectively for a Scottish patriotic song. This is repeated this year but with even greater hilarity, in what for me was the highlight of the evening, with Stewart managing to impersonate two characters simultaneously. The local references also seem more imaginative than usual, with a whole song devoted to "Auld Reekie". The sets and costumes are visually stunning, and the special effects - most notably during Dame Trot's ascent to Cloudland - suitably impress.

The "bring doon the cloot" song-sheet tradition makes a welcome return this year, with lucky children in the audience being singled out to perform solos (and receive goody bags), but the search goes on to find something to match the energy and comedic brilliance of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" sketch, which has featured as the penultimate scene in a few previous King's pantomimes of recent years. The second half's present running time of 40 minutes is shorter than usual, and one can't help wanting just a little more. All in all, a hugely entertaining show - highly recommended.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the King's Theatre, Edinburgh until 15 January, 2017.

To post a comment, you must register and login.