REVIEW: Jack and the Beanstalk at Norwich Theatre Royal
We all know the story… Jack swaps his family’s cow for a bag of magic beans. By climbing the beanstalk of the beans he planted and finds himself on a giant adventure.
Playing Jack is Joe Tracini, who won the hearts of the Norwich Theatre Royal audiences as Tommy the Cat in last year’s pantomime. Rufus Hound, best known for making people laugh as a stand-up comedian, his stretch on Celebrity Juice and the voice behind Waffle The Wonder Dog,will be taking on the role of King Nigel of Norwich.
They will be joined by Casualty star Amanda Henderson who will be taking on the role of Pat the Cow, and comedian Sally Hodgkiss. Be prepared to boo and hiss Dayle Hudson from EastEnders in his role as Nightshade. Linda John-Pierre from Britain’s Got Talent will bring her amazing vocal talent to the part of Fairy Fullobeans.
For the 22nd year at Norwich Theatre, panto favourite Richard Gauntlett will return as Dame Trott, along with Karl Minns, one half of Norfolk’s favourite comedy duo, The Nimmo Twins, will be the voice of the baddie Giant Bonecrunch.
Rachel Ducker popped along to Norwich Theatre Royal to check it out, here’s what she thought:
As we enter the festive period, naturally panto season follows and this year Jack and the Beanstalk at Norwich Theatre Royal did not disappoint.
But first a trip to the theatre’s very own art deco style restaurant, Prelude, for dinner. Not only was the food delicious – Christmas themed of course – but it saved the phaff of having to rush to the show. Why eat elsewhere when you can eat on site and enjoy Christmas pudding during the interval?
We took our seats, the theatre is beautiful and in my opinion the perfect size, its intimate without being cramped.
From the get go this panto had me in stitches, I don’t laugh out loud very often, but throughout I couldn’t stop myself.
It was so easy to warm to all of the main characters, although a highlight for me, was when Joe Tracini (who played Jack) was so funny during a mid-scene he had his fellow cast members in fits of laugher too. He played a very endearing Jack and for me stole the show.
I also loved the character of Pat the Cow, Amanda Henderson was hilarious and can also bust a groove or two.
As a big Eastenders fan I learnt that Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson) also has an evil streak, playing the ‘baddie’ Knightshade. He certainly had a knack for the “oh no he not’s”.
I won’t give too much away, as I would urge you to go and watch it yourself – but in terms of a quality performance this had it all, from fabulous actors to great staging and props. I left with a warm heart and felt great letting out all of those giggles.
Show information:
Ticket prices: £10 – £32.50
Running time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes (inc Interval)
Age recommendation: suitable for all ages
Friends pre-June 22 – £2 off Bands A-D
Friends post-June 22 – 5% off Bands A-D
Best & Gold Friends – 10% off Bands A-D
U3s – Children Under 3 may sit on a parent’s lap FREE of charge (unless otherwise stated).
Peak Performances – 21 – 31 Dec 22
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