Review: Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, 2022

Review by Tim Freed, Toddle About Co-Founder

I’ve seen several pantomimes over the years, and the quality can vary wildly - but I have to say, Royal & Derngate’s performance of Jack and the Beanstalk definitely goes down as one of my favourites.

The casting is absolute perfection, with fantastic performances by some very talented actors and singers. There was something in this performance for everyone and, though there were a couple of rude jokes and several that would go over children’s heads, it was very family friendly, with plenty of childish gags and slapstick for the youngsters too – it’s a show that young and old(er) can truly enjoy together.

One of the big highlights for me was seeing Keala Settle (of The Greatest Showman fame) singing live – and boy, can she sing! Her power, pitch and general showmanship was evident and, as Fairy Sugarsnap, she proved she can turn her hand to comedy over-acting just as well as she can do the serious stuff for the big screen. It was a privilege to see her live.

Keala Settle as the Fairy – photo by Pamela Raith

Probably my personal favourite performance of the show though was from the baddie, Luke Backinanger (such a great panto stage name!), played by Richard David-Caine. You may think you don’t know him, but you’ve almost certainly seen him on TV. We know him best from TV’s ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘Class Dismissed’, and he played the perfect panto bad guy. Bad enough to be booed enthusiastically, yet not scary for the children and a character you could easily laugh at and with. He had excellent comic timing and delivery and was a joy to watch.

Richard David-Caine as Luke Backinanger – photo by Pamela Raith

The panto dame was played by Bob Golding – again, a name I wasn’t familiar with, but someone I’ve most probably seen performing elsewhere now I’ve seen the length of his CV. It’s very impressive! And his experience really showed. The panto dame so often relies on the same old gags but, whilst the general thread of those gags was there (finding a man to embarrass in the audience etc), he delivered them with an authenticity and freshness that made him a real star of the show – and an incredibly funny one at that.

Bob Golding as Dame Trott – photo by Pamela Raith

Then, of course, we can’t forget good old Jack (Alex Lodge) and his counterpart Jess (Cara Dudgeon), the two lead protagonists of the show, with their trusty ‘sidekick’ best friend, Billy (Ben Thornton). Playing less hammed-up roles, they kept the plot moving (thin though it was - though you’re definitely not going to a panto for the plot, right?) and played their roles spot on. Jack and Jess both showed off really impressive vocals too.

Alex Lodge as Jack, Bob Golding as Dame Trott, Ben Thornton as Billy, Cara Dudgeon as Jess – photo by Pamela Raith

At 2 hours long (plus a 20 minute interval), with an excellent pace, it was just the right length to keep everyone in the audience engaged – and it was apparent from the audience participation that everyone was having a great time.

All-in-all, the show is a joy – a chance to get in the Christmas spirit with your family, enjoy some excellently delivered panto humour, and be treated to some excellent musical performances. If it isn't in your Christmas plans yet, I would definitely recommend you book some tickets while you have the chance!

 

Tickets

Jack and the Beanstalk will run from Friday 9 December 2022 to Monday 2 January 2023.

Tickets from £12*

For more information and to book tickets, go to www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call Box Office on 01604 624811.

Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP

* A charge of £3.50 applies for all transactions of £20 and over. Does not apply to Groups, Members or Disabled Patrons, and is per-transaction, not per-ticket.