The most ambitious undertaking by the Oxford Playhouse, the annual pantomime is a rich fixture in the Oxford theatre calendar. This year’s undertaking proved a fabulous treat for a family of four, suitable for both a 4- and 7-year-old.
As is the way with pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk reshapes a familiar fairy tale. In this version, Jack (a charming and warm Max Guest) is the son of Dame Mary (a resplendent and mischievous Alasdair Buchan), owner of a local ice cream factory. Mysterious disappearances and strange weather anomalies beset their town, all being investigated by the show’s love interest, Jill (Dumile Sibanda’s wonderful burst of energy). Throw in a cow to be sold, magic beans to be gained and a beanstalk to pop up at the interval, as we propel towards an encounter with a giant, and you’ll know where all this is going.
A strong ensemble across the board lights up the stage. Around the main characters are a cast filled with talent. Heather Porte has a wonderful confidence as Susan, Madison Swan brings sass and wit to Fairy Foxglove, and Robin Hemmings is strangely charming as the villain of the piece, Hendrix the Horrible. The supporting cast are filled out by one of two Jack & the Beanstalk Young Companies (Pistachio or Mint Choc Chip), a fabulously talent septet, with pitch-perfect line delivery and exuberant dance moves.
Director Toby Hulse marshals this all with gusto, the pace rarely dropping (although the script could have been tightened). All the panto staples are hit, right down to a hearty sing-a-long at the end. There’s a wealth of local references for the Oxford audience, even if I may have preferred a little more grit and naughtiness with my pantomime (although Buchan gives some cheeky puns). This feels like a show weighed more towards the younger members of the auditorium.
Where Jack and the Beanstalk really stands out is in Anthony Lamble’s design. The sets are gorgeous and ambitious, and envelope the Playhouse’s stage. The costumes are fabulous, enhancing the characters on stage. I particularly enjoyed the Dame and Susan’s attire for the second half. This panto is at its best as a burst of festive energy, a glitzy treat.
A familiar story is shaped into a cracking Oxford-centric pantomime, one that glitters and charms over two hours. It may not convince those averse to the artform, but for the converted this is a fabulous adventure to go on this Christmas.