Jack and the Beanstalk – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
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 ...