Jack And The Beanstalk Pantomime At Whitley Bay Playhouse Review

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It just wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to the pantomime and as a family, one pantomime that we always look forward to is the one at Whitley Bay's Playhouse. We have been going to see the pantomime here for the past four years and it is always the children's favourite one as it is perfect for young children. This year's panto was Jack and the Beanstalk produced once again by Blue Genie Entertainment and starring Ashleigh Butler and Sully the dog, former X-Factor contestant Molly Scott, Playhouse legend Steve Walls and the return of Playhouse favourites Damian Patton, Dame Patsy Trott and David Burton. 

Settling in our seats we were transported to Happyvale and as soon as the curtains were up the audience was captivated with the singing, dancing and non-stop silliness of the cast. Last year I mentioned that there were not enough jokes for us grow-ups well this year there was plenty, myself and my husband were laughing along just as much as the children with many of the jokes going totally over their heads. 

Steve Walls had the children on side and part of his gang from the get-go and I loved the comedy act between Simple Simon (Steve Walls) Oddball (Damian Patton) and Dame Patsy Trott (Daniel Mawston), they work so well together and had the audience in stitches with great comic timing and plenty of slapstick humour. I really hope Damian returns next year as we loved him in Cinderella two years ago and we liked him even more this time as his expressions, silliness, and energy really made us all laugh out loud - he was comedy gold and is made for panto. 

The giant in the clouds was causing problems for the residents of Happyvale and sent his henchman (Guy Mott) and Oddball to make life miserable for the residents. Of course, Jack (Harry Downes) saves the day by vowing to climb the beanstalk to stop the giant as King Crumble (David Burton) vows he can marry his daughter Jill (Molly Scott) if he can stop the giant. Jack and Jill worked really well together with great chemistry and plenty of singing from the incredible Jill - boy can she sing! 

Jack and the Beanstalk has everything that you can want from a pantomime, there were great vocals from Molly Scott, humour for the kids and us grown-ups, a very messy scene, plenty of jokes, a baddy, great dancers, audience participation, a cow, a brilliant giant, a fairy and even a very clever dancing dog in the form of Ashleigh and Sully. Sully totally stole the show as he was incredible to watch and a great addition to the cast. 

There was plenty of boos and it's behind you from the audience members and of course, the crowd went wild when the infamous bench arrived on stage. The ghostbuster bench scene is my little boys favourite part of the show and he couldn't contain his excitement when he realised what was happening and it was even better than previous years. 

The show flew by and before we knew it the show was ending like all good pantos do with a grand wedding. The audience was up on their feet at the end joining in with a spice girls megamix and there were plenty of claps and cheers for the cast who certainly put on a brilliant show. 

If you are still to book a panto this year then I recommend a visit to see Jack and the Beanstalk at Whitley Bay Playhouse as it was fun, it was silly and it was perfect for children and adults which is what Panto is all about. But be quick as tickets are selling out fast as the show was most definitely fee-fi-fo-fun! 

Jack and the Beanstalk is running until Saturday 4th January 2020 tickets are available from www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk or the box office prices start at £18.65 per person (Booking fee may apply).