Jack and the Beanstalk, thestage musical and family-friendly comedy, based very loosely on the famous old English Fairytale, is currently showing at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Birmingham’s Queen, Alison Hammond, heads up the star-studded cast, as ‘The Spirit of the Beans’, alongside TV’s Samantha Womack as the giant’s evil wife ‘Mrs Blunderbore’, legendary Dame, Andrew Ryan as ‘Dame Trott’, and of course, returning for his 10th year at the Hippodrome, Panto-champion, comedian Matt Slack. Matt plays Jake Trott, the ‘slightly’ older brother to hero Jack Trott, played by local actor, Alexanda O’Reilly.
With that impressive lineup of talent, and at this time of year at the gorgeous Hippodrome, it feels a dead cert that this is going to be a high-quality, feel-good show. Even before it begins, the stage is already set with vibrant colours, stars, rainbows and sparkle.
Yet this is but a tiny glimpse of the fabulousness that is still to come. From start to finish the luscious stage set and props are sensational, the costumes dazzling, the lighting design perfect, and the music entrancing and uplifting. Each time a new number begins the audience is treated to a glittering new vista, and there could be a separate review for the astounding array of breathtaking yet hilarious outfits that Dame Trott wears. (Shout-out to the costume designer and the backstage crew helping with those quick changes!)
The beloved Brummie bab Alison Hammond exudes warmth, humour and infectious excitement, her presence lights up the stage every time she is on. She was born for panto!
The plot sees the small town of Old Brum on the Turn, living in fear of the evil giant ‘Blunderbore’ who lives on a diet of their precious livestock. Our hero Jack is intent on impressing the lovely Princess Jill, played by West-End performer Billie-Kay. This begins with the Trott family taking part in Jill’s Royal Variety Show and ends with her capture by the dastardly Mrs Blunderbore.
Threatened further by the fearsome Blunderbore, the story then sees Jack tasked with selling off the family chickens and beloved cow Doreen, played by Black Country favourite Doreen Tipton. When he is deceived and hands them over for a bag of beans, the ‘Spirit of the Beans’ has to intervene to sprinkle some magic and help Jack retrieve Doreen and Princess Jill, and face the dreaded Blunderbore. Throughout this, there are little deviations from the main story which see some fabulous set-piece performances, (not going to spoil the surprises here!) but they never venture too far and always return to the plot.
The show is very much led by panto legend, funnyman Matt Slack as Jake Trott, and his onstage mother, Dame Trott, both have the audience in stitches throughout with comedy that hits at all ages. Samantha Womack plays her villain fabulously, with a dry, acerbic wit. Alexanda O’Reilly (Jack) and Billie-Kay (Jill) brim with that star-of-stage-musical wholesomeness, a la High School Musical, with the occasional knowing look and eye-roll, which lets the older attendees know they’re not quite as sweet and naive as they seem.
However, there are many other stars in this show, (and that’s not just the fake ones sparkling in the ceiling); but the brilliantly camp and impressively limber charismatic supporting dancers and singers who look and sound fantastic throughout.
Doreen Tipton aka Doreen the lazy cow is not only funny but can also belt out a number like the best of them and proves to be a very popular character. Of course, there is no doubt who the real star of the show is. The beloved Brummie bab Alison Hammond exudes warmth, humour and infectious excitement, her presence lights up the stage every time she is on. She was born for panto!
However, there are many other stars in this show, (and that’s not just the fake ones sparkling in the ceiling); but the brilliantly camp and impressively limber charismatic supporting dancers and singers who look and sound fantastic throughout. Each one of them emits their very own main character energy with their tongue placed firmly in cheek.
Musically, there is a delightful mix of show-stopping stage numbers, modern pop songs, retro classics, and of course, some cheeky comedy numbers. Overall something for everyone from ages 6 to 60 and beyond.
Matt Slack brings on a few children from the audience towards the end, this is genuinely entertaining as it always is, you never know what to expect from kids and they provide an added layer of heart-warming hilarity with one young 6-year-old chap shyly and sleepily unintentionally dissing his host whilst a very confident young lady Irish dances her way around the stage wowing the crowd. Maybe it’s because it’s January, but weirdly the crowd don’t get up and dance until right at the very end, when they deliver a much-deserved standing ovation.
Jack and the Beanstalk is the perfect antidote to the January blues, an uplifting experience, full of sparkle, heart, a lot of laughs and a fabulous surprise, so get ready to Oooo and Ahhhh, you’re in for a right treat!
Jack and the Beanstalk is showing at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday 28th January. Grab your tickets here: Birmingham Hippodrome, Jack and the Beanstalk
Words by Mazzy Snape Director breadbirmingham.co.uk