Once again, Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre comes up trumps at panto time.
This year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk, and what a fun-filled high energy performance it proved to be leaving me exhausted just from watching.
In particular, a very amusing farcical scene featuring Dastardly Dick (Kit Hesketh-Harvey), Simple Simon (Lloyd Hollett) and King Kuthbert (Peter Gordon) and their rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Worth the visit on its own but beware; waterproof mascara is required.
Bonnie Langford shines (literally) as Fairy Fuchsia and Emma Thornett gives a reasonably convincing performance as the thigh-slapping Jack.
While the legendary Royce Mills as Jack’s mother Dame Trott doesn’t disappoint with pantomime dame outfits to turn your stomach – they certainly made me feel unwell.
But the real star of the show is the giant himself. For once, not just a booming voice you only hear but a real live giant you actually see. I’ll say no more other than go along and take a look for yourself…
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre until Sunday 8 January 2012. For more information and to book your tickets visit: www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
