Dec 5, 20202 min read

Review: Jack And The Beanstalk - The Garden Pantomime

You'd expect a lot of laughs from a panto and this delivers on all fronts. Fun for all the family but with a few adult jokes thrown in for good measure. If you watch with children, they won't understand why you are laughing but that makes it all the better. Look out for a brilliant reativity and innovation are ever-changing. With that in mind, the first panto made for cinema and online streaming was created.

The brainchild of Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan, this panto bills itself as the first Covid-friendly socially distanced panto. Filmed over the summer, the action takes place in Duncan's own garden. Once you get past a serious case of garden envy, what he manages to achieve in such an unusual space pushes the limits of creativity on to a genius level.

You all know the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. You also know this is panto so the story doesn't matter - it's the fun of it that matters most, and boy it this fun. The perfect antidote to the villain that is this year, this production includes everything you would want from a pantomime - from panto dames, colourful costumes, fun songs, a lot of laughs and even audience interaction. If you are not shouting at the screen when the cast pause for the obligatory "Oh yes it is" moments and even a singalong, you need to have a word with yourself... or alternatively pour yourself another drink,

The production value on something that was filmed in somebody's garden is second to none. As well as looking high quality, it also miraculously manages to capture the magic of sitting in a theatre watching it physically, thanks to a truly captivating cast. The cast are clearly having the times of their lives doing this with Peter Duncan camping it up as Dame Trott and Sam Ebenezer showing off a brilliant voice and bucket-loads of charisma as Jack. There's even a scene-stealing cow. What more could you possibly want?

This is 2020 so of course it's going to be slightly topical. Those hoping for a bit of escapism will have to make do with social distancing jokes and even a song about lockdown. The tone of these is always just right enabling you to laugh at the matter while never taking away from the serious issue at the heart of it.

You'd expect a lot of laughs from a panto and this delivers on all fronts. Fun for all the family but with a few adult jokes thrown in for good measure. If you watch with chiildren, they won't understand why you are laughing but that makes it all the better. Look out for a brilliant Father Ted reference in the protest signs early on.

Panto might not be to everybody's taste but after this year, surely a good laugh is just what the doctor ordered? This pantomime is as good as it gets. If you are not able to get to a panto in person this year, this adventure won't let you down. Settle down one evening and enjoy the madness that is this garden pantomime. If you don't believe me, take a look at the trailer below.

★★★★★