Christmas is never complete without a token pantomime performance – and what better show to see to get you feeling Christmassy than Guy Unsworth’s dynamic and innovative reworking of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Touted as “the second biggest show in Manchester”, this panto really did have it all – a star-studded cast, sensational sets, brilliant costumes, fabulous song and dance sequences, a script jam-packed full of witty repartee (and even a flying car, wholly reminiscent of theatre favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang).
What really brought this show to life was its exuberant characters – headlined by comedian Jason Manford, he was of course the titular character of Jack Trot, who not only had the lion’s share of the jokes but had some great musical numbers too.
That said, every panto (and protagonist) needs a trusty sidekick – and who better than Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ben Nickless to deliver a frankly hilarious performance? Nickless was in many ways a scene-stealer, able to not only hold his own against Manford’s quick wit but in some cases eclipse it with his own witticisms. One memorable moment was the off-the-cuff improvisation when Jack’s trumpet broke mid-scene – you could tell that wasn’t supposed to happen, but the pair bounced off each other wonderfully and had the audience in stitches.
Finally, drag queen Myra DuBois was an inspired casting choice to play Myra Blunderbore, the show’s fantastically fiendish antagonist. Head to toe in sequins, sparkles and feathers, she was the true archetypal pantomime baddie, not only earning but relishing the theatrical boos that rung around the Opera House every time she entered the stage.
Director Guy Unsworth did a fantastic job of harnessing the main characters’ unique talents and building them into the show for maximum audience enjoyment. Jason Manford had his moment in the spotlight to do a mini stand-up comedy sequence early on in the show (which the audience loved and set the scene perfectly), while Ben Nickless was given a few uninterrupted minutes in the second act to deliver his impersonations, which in most cases were uncanny. Myra DeBois was also given the spotlight to interact with the audience, which she did magnificently.
Both children and adults alike were kept captivated throughout this show – the children enchanted by the incredible pyrotechnics and the slapstick comedy, while the adults were tickled pink by the hilariously tongue-in-cheek innuendos that peppered the script throughout.
All in all, this show was the perfect family-friendly evening of fun – and the ideal way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Jack and the Beanstalk is playing at the Manchester Opera House from Saturday 2nd December to Sunday 31st December 2023. www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester/
Reviewer: Hannah Wilde
Reviewed: 7th December 2023
North West End UK Rating: