This year’s Panto in Wimbledon offers a starry cast and a plot that’s a firm family favourite!
Who:
Written by Alan McHugh, co-directed by Stephen Mears & Joe Pasquale
Where and when:
New Wimbledon Theatre, to 5 Jan – with ticket link https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/jack-and-the-beanstalk/new-wimbledon-theatre/
Cast:
Alexandra Burke, Joe Pasquale, siblings Ceri Dupree and Ria Jones, Benjamin Yates, Natalie Chua plus ensemble (Rhys Britt, Sebastian Goffin, Gabriela Gregorian, Macy James, Lily Laight, Brontë MacMillan, Alex Pinder, Dylan Saffer)
Basic plot:
The ‘Royal town of Wimbledon’ is plagued by the evil Giant Blunderbore, who wants to ruin the Royal Variety Show, and have Pat the Cow for dinner.
Can Jack Trot find a way to get to the land above the clouds and save the day?
Characters and performances:
Yates’s Jack is a smiley and personable hero – and why not, he already has Chua’s Princess Jill as a girlfriend.
Pasquale (Silly Simon) offers a lot of punchlines and energy and plays well off Dupree’s ‘faaaaabulous’ Dame Trot, who even appears as Cher at one point!
Jones’s sparky Spirit of the Bells belts out the numbers and offers a tongue-twister, while Burke’s evil counterpart challenges Simon to a dance contest and finds a chance to sing her big hit, “Hallelujah”.
Audience interaction:
Very good throughout, plus the shrieks and cheers of Burke fans (at least immediately behind us).
A few children selected from the audience joined in “I Am The Music Man” as Pasquale tried to keep control.
The comedy kept us in stitches (how much is ad libbing I’m not sure, but Yates, Pasquale and Dupree have a great rapport that makes it look fresh). And Pasquale has enough experience to push at a line without crossing it.
Atmosphere:
This is a lively, tight, two-hour panto from Crossroads, with enough to please even the biggest cynic. If a squeaky voice, a massive giant, a glamorous baddie, and a lively Dame don’t do it for you, then I don’t know what to say!
Music:
With a start based on songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it balances pop and classic without forgetting that panto is for the kids to enjoy.
Technical:
Great lighting, excellent sets, quick costume changes, and even a flying vehicle. We see the rise of the Beanstalk but not its demise.
The Giant is a huge creation, heavily detailed, but sadly we only see him once.
Cuteness factor:
Pat the Cow, of course, plus a chorus of dancing chickens from the ensemble in true Bernie Clifton style.
Regional/contemporary relevance:
Very heavy on the Wimbledon references, especially in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (new balls, please!). Croydon and Mitcham are mentioned as the poor relations in jest.
Final verdict:
5*
This was pretty much flawless. Both children and adults were catered to, the writing (with Pasquale and Matt Slack credited for ‘additional material’) is sharp and funny, and Gary Hind leads the orchestra with style.
Richard G Jones and Seb Frost designed the lighting and sound, which work well with the special effects from The Twins FX. And Teresa Nalton’s costumes are impressive.
An absolute joy for everyone.
Image credit: Danny Kaan