If you want a light-hearted update to the classic panto, come to the Royal for an evening of slightly risqué family fun or a jolly way to celebrate work Christmas parties!
Everyone loves a pantomime at Christmas, and this festive season the Royal Court Theatre is hosting a well-loved classic, excellently amended for Liverpool and a more mature audience. The Scouse Jack and the Beanstalk follows Jack (Michael Fletcher) and his mother, Ms Jones (Lindzi Germain) along with a motley crew as they try to save their humble home of Crosby valley from a fearsome giant. The story follows a well-trodden narrative of Jack selling the family cow for some magic beans (much to Mrs’s Jones ire) with the beanstalk growing and Jack meeting the giant and saving the city.
Despite this renowned narrative, Kevin Fearson has written some clever and hilarious changes with a interesting twist in the second act. Alongside this, some brilliant set design really keeps the audience engaged, alongside satisfying that yearly itch for cheesy jokes and easy-going banter.
We were sat in the stalls section and enjoyed some delicious food and excellent service before the production commenced, with this theme of excellence continuing through the stunning set design and costume changes. The use of projection and practical effects really added to the show, with some hilarious interactions between the cast and the stagehands, adding to a feeling of true pantomime where nobody takes themselves seriously. In this production, the adaption in order to appeal to a mature audience was evident, allowing jokes and gags that were sometimes sly and oftentimes daft, embodying the true spirit of pantomime. The over sixteen warning whilst fair still remained tasteful, well tasteful within the spirit of pantomime humour! In regards to costumes, the outfit changes really helped keep the atmosphere fresh and mark clear changes as the narrative moved from Crosby valley up into the fantastical clouds above. The inclusion of the band onto the stage was a welcome addition with a talented ensemble adding to the musical numbers and interacting with the cast in some well set up jokes and laughs.
The cast play their roles with all the classic panto humour, alongside some more adult jokes that had the audience groaning and giggling in equal measure. The role of the commissioner (Andrew Schofield) and Ms Jones were both particularly standout performances, however the whole cast were superb, engaging the audience and bringing an oftentimes tired fairytale back to life!
A particular note must be made on the extensive use of songs throughout the production, with renditions of ‘wuthering heights’ and ‘a bat outta hell’ being particular highlights. The bands’ position on the wings of the stage, added to the incredible atmosphere and encouraged the audience when invited to sing along. This inclusion of songs really helped keep the atmosphere high and alongside some classic pantomime lines which we all know and love, the singing added greatly to the whole experience. As a finale, the audience were led in a collective song which alongside some dancing as the curtain fell really helped close a fantastic evening. This pantomime would be great for older family groups or small work parties as a fantastic cast, great songs, well-priced tickets and a great bar make for a Christmas event to rival any other in Liverpool.
Review by William Marsden