Panto is about tradition. Where the big producing houses, and their star-led shows, can never succeed is in developing a joyful familiarity that is nurtured and continued from year to year.
That is the superpower of smaller venues, like the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse. But not all theatres are aware of that. Some stray from the path of success. It is a pleasure to report that, yet again, the Garrick gets it and has delivered.
There was a slight first night hitch, however. Cast illness meant there was a panto dame-shaped hole to fill. Step up show director, and artistic director, Joseph Meighan.
After a long rehearsal process, it is the kind of problem that must feel insurmountable backstage. On stage, however, the audience experience was no less at all. In fact, theatregoers will have left feeling they were party to a properly one-off and special performance.
It also gave panto regular Daniel Ellis a chance to deliver the classic ‘warm hand on their entrance’ line before the show proper had even begun.
Writer Tom Whalley has, once again, been entrusted with the script. This time Jack and the Beanstalk. Whalley’s return is very welcome.
Vegtaville pauper Jack Trott (Alex Day) is in love with Princess Jill (Sasha Carillo). That’s not Jack’s only problem. Money is a bit tight for the Trotts and Pat the Cow (Jamie King) is running dry milk-wise.
When Jill is captured by Giant Blunderbore’s evil henchperson Fleshcreep (Sarah Kirk), their father King Edward (also Jamie King) offers a reward which could solve both of Jack’s problems.
Jack isn’t entirely successful, at first, but with Mother Nature (Bev Stuart-Cole) on their side you get the sense they might just do it.
For the most part, this is a tightly told story that whips along without too many unnecessary tangents. The gags are suitably groan-worthy, but the show never feels dated.
We’ve got all the required local references and audience participation, but with a few modern references sprinkled throughout to keep things fresh and relevant.
As always, the Garrick punches well above its weight when it comes to set, lighting and costume design. Professional, gorgeous and delightful.
Each part is perfectly cast and the whole ensemble are clearly having a great time. Once they get further into their run, and really into the swing of things, they will feel happier throwing in a few more ad-libs too.
Meighan, script in hand, was superb. Brilliantly bawdy, joshing with the audience, near faultless with the lines. ‘If I have to do this, so do you’, they told the audience, who were fully behind them from the get-go.
King is delightfully daft in their two roles. Kirk is a proper villain we love to hate. Day and Carillo are adorable and likeable.
This, though, would be half the show without Ellis. As Silly Simon, he delivers joke after joke. He lights up the stage every second he is on it. He is beloved by every kid in the audience. Long may we get the pleasure to see him in pantomime mode.
The first act ends fairly abruptly and the second starts with an overly long beanstalk climb sequence. The storytelling loses its way a little in the final third. Not all the songs work brilliantly and, collectively, the voices and amplification probably need to be stronger.
The energy certainly dips in some of the numbers, although In the Navy reimagined as In the Dairy is a notable exception.
These, though, are minor quibbles.
You’ll laugh, you’ll smile, you’ll be filled with joy and – perhaps most importantly – you will want to come back next year. Not to any panto, but to this panto.
Playing until 5th January 2025. Tickets and more information can be found here: https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/shows/jackb24
Reviewer: Peter Ruddick
Reviewed: 6th December 2024
North West End UK Rating: