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Fee-Fi-Fo-FUN, I smell the cheer of a Manchester panto run! Jack and the Beanstalk is this year’s GIANT pantomime. One of the most iconic British traditions is back and bigger than ever. Literally.
Don’t forget to read my review of Hamilton at The Palace Theatre in Manchester
Big production, big stars and a big baddie!
Resident Manc and well-loved funnyman, JASON MANFORD, has returned for another year of panto puns. But this time he is the hero, Jack (which he admits, he is a good 20 years too old for, but just go with it!) He’s proper good and flaunts his knack for singing at every chance.
Jason might be the big-name comedian but BEN NICKLESS gets some of the biggest laughs as the stage idiot. He has become a Christmas tradition, this being his fifth year at the Opera House, and long may his reign continue. He may act stupid and play up for the kids, but it’s the adults who benefit from his cheekiness.
But in a surprising twist, MYRA DUBOIS steals the crown for funniest of the night. She makes being the baddie look so good! Epic comebacks, wicked audience interactions and brutal ad libs make her one for the grownups. Her confidence and charisma are scene stealing and I feel in very safe (manicured) hands whenever she comes on stage.
BUY YOUR PANTO TICKETS HERE and read on for more of the story…
You may think you know Jack and the Beanstalk…
But I am telling you now, you do not know this version. Jack has a brother, Simon. Jack has a love interest, Jill. At one point they all put on a Royal Variety Show. The Giant has a partner who comes down to steal Jack’s cow. Then the Giant kidnaps Jill. Oh yeah, there’s a flying car too.
It’s panto so it’s allowed. I may have lost the plot but it doesn’t matter because I was lost in the funny.
There are the usual panto skits, impersonations, sing a longs and audience participation. But the real wow factor is when we finally see the Giant. It’s a mega moment as he fills the whole stage. Hearing the kids shriek tell you they’re impressed.
I genuinely laughed until my cheeks hurt. Who knew panto was painful? I took my dad, the king of dad jokes, and I swear I saw him taking notes. He is definitely using some of that material!
Jack and the Beanstalk is a Christmas gift for all the family. If you’re up for a giggle, are full of beans and want a whole cheese board of festive fun, then this is for you!
Playing at Manchester Opera House until Sunday 31 December 2023. Tickets from £13 (plus transaction fee).
Image credit: Phil Tragen