Star-studded EastEnders cast delivers 'perfect panto'

The uplifting, colourful production Jack and the Beanstalk is the perfect panto with its talented cast, excellent staging and special effects, it’s a festive treat for all the family.

It follows the classic story of Jack and his family, including brother Silly Billy and mum Dame Trott, who go on a huge adventure to save themselves both from poverty and Blunderbore, the wealthy giant who lives in the clouds.

A lot of the laughs come courtesy of Silly Billy (Matthew Curnier), whose limitless energy and enthusiasm shone throughout. The kids in the audience adored him and cheered for him at every opportunity.

There were also belly laughs aplenty courtesy of seasoned performer Michael Neilson who returned to the theatre as Dame Trott. His outlandish costumes and tongue-in-cheek humour was just brilliant. At times it was hard to know what was scripted and what was adlibbed, which made it even funnier.

When the pair come together they are comedy gold. The milkshake scene where they get covered in coloured goo and the milking segment with pantomime cow Ambrosia are both brilliantly timed sketches.

Jennie Dale (CBeebies Swashbuckle Star) as Fairy Fuchsia was also fabulously cast and added a sprinkle of sparkle and magic to the production.

EastEnders star Matt Lapinskas as the giant’s henchman Fleeshcreep was a firm favourite as the villain of the show. The rowdy crowd loved him and booed and hissed at him every time he appeared. He had flair and was a great addition to the able cast.

Fellow EastEnders bad boy John Altman, best known for playing Nasty Nick Cotton in the soap, played King Custard in the production.

It took the audience a minute to adjust to him playing a ‘goody’ as he’s usually the bad boy, but he hammed up the royal just right.

The star of the show is the set itself with the enormous erupting beanstalk that takes centre stage. That coupled with the huge giant Blunderbore, is panto magic at its best.

Music wise there are songs for all generations from Beyonce’s Texas Hold ‘Em, N-Sync’s Bye Bye Bye, Abba’s Money, Money, Money and The Climb made famous by Miley Cyrus. They aptly also included Take That’s Giants!

All numbers were accompanied by modern choreography courtesy of Charley Maclaren, who paid homage to some of the original moves from Texas Hold ‘Em and Bye, Bye, Bye. The dance ensemble was tight, rhythmic, and dazzled.

What’s great about panto is seeing the next generation of theatregoers all loving and engaging with the story. Panto is a British institution and long may it continue.

I’m so glad I’ve ‘bean’ to see Jack and the Beanstalk. This timeless tale is a colourful, larger-than-life pantomime packed full of fun for all ages.

It runs until January 4.