Jack and the Beanstalk
Ashcroft Theatre Croydon Reviewed by Joanne and the Danton family
WHILE remaining entertaining for the adults, with jokes sailing over little ones' heads, this was clearly a panto that catered for children.
My husband and I took our three kids and, while Ben, aged 2, was a little young, he nonetheless was giggling and joining in with his sisters – especially at the antics of the pantomime Dame Trott and her beloved Daisy the cow.
And of course they loved calling out 'Shamazing', a word taken from the X Factor and used throughout this first-class show.
We really loved every bit of it and it proved entertaining for all our family – the adult jokes sailing over the heads of the children but told in such an expressive way with gestures and facial expressions that kiddies also found it lots of fun.
Even Ben joined in dancing and shouting, although he sat very still (and then jumped on mummy's lap!) when the somewhat overwhelming figure of Giant Blunderbore made his grand entrance.
But in the end all the kids loved running down to the front of the auditorium to throw balls at the giant to help Jack save the day by bringing the giant down.
Everyone in the audience was made to feel part of the show, none more so than my children who had their own comments.
"When Giant Blunderbore walked in, mine and Abi's mouth dropped. The tallest man in Europe made the cast look like dwarfs, he was fantastic," said Amy, 11.
"It was my best pantomine ever. Gangnam style!" said Abi, 8. "I loved Dame Trott and Billy Trott. They made me laugh so much."
Our night was 'shamazing' and I think we will be talking about the giant for ages to come.
