Review: Jack and the Beanstalk, Exeter Northcott Theatre

Cracker Jack!

This year’s Northcott pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk really is a cracker! With a strong cast, pacy storyline, local references, great songs and plenty of laughs; Steve Bennett’s home-grown production proves that Exeter audiences love nothing more than a good panto to make the festive season complete.

Armed with arguably the most representative review panel in Devon, our two children, aged 5 and 10, we were oh-so-ready to do battle with the cruel Giant and encourage courageous Jack on his adventure to keep his family and village from destitution.

First produced in 1819, Jack and the Beanstalk is one of the oldest known pantomimes and interestingly started the tradition of Principal Boy being played by a girl (thanks goes to Kate Newey from University of Exeter for her programme notes on history of Jack).

Whilst the story may be old, this show was full of beans and got underway quickly raising the tempo with a full chorus version of The Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling to get this panto-party started.

Following the formula closely, we meet apprentice Fairy Mistletoe (Emma Stansfield), lovable Silly ‘whatcha kids’ Billy (Noel White), sinister Fleshcreep (Mark Jardine) and Dame Dotty Trott (Steve Bennett) early on in the show. All of whom quickly build a rapport with the audience (or in Fleshcreeps case, a discord!), drawing us in to their take on the world and the quirks of their personalities via their audience one-on-ones..

Once Jack (Jessie May) and Jill (Victoria Lucie) are formally introduced, they were quick to imagine the world they were going to make, with a rousing rendition of A Million Dreams, giving them both an opportunity to share their excellent vocal talents. They were barely a few lyrics in before the multi-generational audience joined in, accompanying them in fine voice.

The songs were particularly well chosen, Freshcreep and Silly Billy delivered a kind of two hander of Coles Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin; whilst having fallen for Jack, Jill asked How Long Will I Love You? (Mike Scott’s song made famous more recently by Ellie Goulding),and there was a song sheet which provided a dairy-themed singalong expertly led by Steve Bennetts’ Dotty Trott. There is plenty of creative sparring between the powers of good and evil as old-hand Fleshcreep attempts to derail rooky Fairy Mistletoe, who has been appointed to help our hero complete his mission.

So what of Jack? Whilst his adventure is well known, Jessie May’s young Mr Trott did not miss a trick in delivered a great performance bringing the audience along for the ride! In possession of a strong voice, Jessie’s swordplay and climbing skills also got an airing. Unexpectedly, the sale of their beloved cow, Daisy, hit hard with tears in eyes of many of the audience as the cast gathered to wish her goodbye.

However, we were soon back on more light-hearted ground. There was a superb confectionary word play scene courtesy of Silly Billy and Dame Trott in her sweet shop; and a milking parlour sequence with Billy attempting to milk Daisy, while Dotty delivers semi-skimmed and full-fat puns galore. Great fun for all.

Up in the clouds we see a less dastardly and more hen-pecked Fleshcreep, meet the genuinely menacing cycloptic Giant and a Golden Goose. The latter, in the hands of Billy provides some timeless slapstick Emu style antics.

A mention must also be made for company all rounders, Jaz Franklin (Chorus / Daisy) and Dan Ball (Giant / Daisy) as their various roles and quick changes helped keep the production on the road, along with Young Chorus Team Stalk, whose dedication, preparation and enthusiasm shined through the matinee performance we watched. Paul McClure, Harry Dowell and Michelle Hiley provided the music from deep in the orchestra pit.

In Steve Bennett, as Dame Trott, Director and Joint Script Writer, Exeter has a pantomime aficionado who we all hope will keep on refreshing the format for audiences well into the future.

Jack and the Beanstalk - Exeter Northcott Theatre, until 6 January 2019.

Review by Drew Aspinwall