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| Lucy Durack as Fairy Chrystal |
Jack and The Beanstalk is the must-see show for all ages this July.
Director and Producer, Bonnie Lythgoe has brought her 6th annual pantomime spectacular to Sydney to the delight of families.I was privileged to attend the Opening Night performance of Jack and The Beanstalk. The full theatre of young and old was enthralled with the action, thrilling musical numbers, adventure, hilarious comedy, romance and wonderful special effects.
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| Luke Joslin as Flesh Creep |
The main cast does a wonderful job of bringing the pantomime to life. A greater emphasis on teamwork is needed in a pantomime than regular theatre. Even though there has been only a short rehearsal period, the main cast members interact in a polished way, with just enough adlibbing and stuff ups to make each performance special. There are gags galore for the young and not so young.
The all-star cast includes:
- Lucy Durack (Wicked, Legally Blond and judge on Channel 9's Australia's Got Talent) as Fairy Chrystal (Spirit of the Beans),
- Peter Rowsthorn (Brett from Kath & Kim) as King Crumble,
- Anastasia Feneri as his daughter Princess Jill.
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Richard Reid Bumble as the Lord Chancellor,
Jimmy Rees as Silly Billy, Peter Rowsthorn as King Crumble
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- Richard Reid (2019 winner of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Outta Here) as Bumble the Lord Chancellor’,
- Luke Joslin as the villain Flesh Creep
- Malcolm Lord as Dame Trott,
- Lachie Dearing (Hi-5) as her son Jack and
- Jimmy Rees (aka Jimmy Giggle from Giggle & Hoot and Jimmy Sizzle from Dancing With the Stars) as Jacks brother Silly Billy.
Jack and The Beanstalk, like the previous pantomimes, encouraged audience participation of booing and hissing the villain and cheering the heroes. There was one segment where the audience was encouraged to join in a flossing dance competition. Unfortunately, this was only for those seated in the stalls section of the theatre, and not the upper two levels. The children in the Dress Circle, where I was sitting, were disappointed when they stood and joined in the flossing but were ordered to sit down by the ushers. Perhaps in future pantomimes, audience participation segments should be thought thru so that everyone in the audience can participate, not just a few.
Jack and The Beanstalk was, on the whole, a great night of entertainment. There were a few flat spots in the first half, with the second half being much better. The highlight of the first half was the appearance of the beanstalk and the second half a fantastic 3D sequence that transports audience members deep into the Giant’s castle. It was good seeing objects flying out in front of you through the provided 3D glasses.
The ensemble of young dancers and singers were great, and in some ways even better than the main cast members. They brought the various scenes of Jack and the Beanstalk to life.
Jack and The Beanstalk, like the previous pantomimes, encouraged audience participation of booing and hissing the villain and cheering the heroes. There was one segment where the audience was encouraged to join in a flossing dance competition. Unfortunately, this was only for those seated in the stalls section of the theatre, and not the upper two levels. The children in the Dress Circle, where I was sitting, were disappointed when they stood and joined in the flossing but were ordered to sit down by the ushers. Perhaps in future pantomimes, audience participation segments should be thought thru so that everyone in the audience can participate, not just a few.
Jack and The Beanstalk was, on the whole, a great night of entertainment. There were a few flat spots in the first half, with the second half being much better. The highlight of the first half was the appearance of the beanstalk and the second half a fantastic 3D sequence that transports audience members deep into the Giant’s castle. It was good seeing objects flying out in front of you through the provided 3D glasses.
Director, Bonnie Lythgoe said “I am always searching for new excitement from the UK Panto world and Jack is one of the best ways to showcase this wonderful concept. I think audiences will adore everything about this amazing panto, especially the amazing 3D effects.”
Any seat in the gorgeous State Theatre gives a good view of the stage. My seat in the upper Dress Circle gave a good view looking down on the stage. The only downside to my sitting in the middle block of seats was the follow spot lighting up the back of the heads of those sitting in front of me as well as lighting up the stage.
The colourful sets and dazzling costumes in Jack and The Beanstalk were exceptional. Dame Trotts various dresses and headwear were a standout. It was like a children's storybook brought to life.
Take the children to see Jack and The Beanstalk, or just go yourself. The show is full of humour, some on a child's level that they will only appreciate, and some on an adults level that they will only understand the meaning of. There is a selection of morning, afternoon and evening performances to choose from. However, be quick to book your seats, as the last performances are on 21 July. Don’t miss this Family Musical Panto of your dreams!
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
WHEN: - now to 21st July 2019
RUNNING TIME:- 65 Minutes - Act One; 20 Minutes - Interval; 55 Minutes - Act Two
VENUE: State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney
DATES: Friday 12 to Sunday 21 July 2019
PERFORMANCES: 12 – 21 July
PRICES: from $49 to $99 plus Family tickets $260
BOOKINGS: Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 139 588
Find dates & Buy tickets
RUNNING TIME:- 65 Minutes - Act One; 20 Minutes - Interval; 55 Minutes - Act Two
VENUE: State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney
DATES: Friday 12 to Sunday 21 July 2019
PERFORMANCES: 12 – 21 July
PRICES: from $49 to $99 plus Family tickets $260
BOOKINGS: Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 139 588
Find dates & Buy tickets
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