Qdos Entertainment presents a fabulous show at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford, under the direction of Ed Curtis. Opening the show is the sound of the ominous giant which sets the tone for Jack, superbly played by Billy Pearce, to defend the elegant Princess Apricot from the giant’s formidable grasp.
Although the scenery depicts a picture book perfect backdrop, as with all pantos the villain is never far away to spoil the moment. In this case this is John Challis who cunningly plays Fleshcreep. He is in disguise as a farmer, along with a very convincing Cornish accent, to buy Moomoo the cow from Jack as he is mistakenly sold for a bag full of beans. The menagerie of all the farmyard animals are all as funny as they are charming. They return to stage with the ‘for sale ‘signs around their necks, as the audience collectively respond ‘arrrh’.
Lisa Riley is the ‘spirit of the beans’, she exudes personality and warmth with her shiny Poundland wand. Her Flamencan dance partner Jack Canuso as Benny Dorm has a charming hip sway and charisma dressed in satin and sparkle. The whole ensemble are upbeat, energetic and beautifully choreographed.
In Act 2 the comedy flows fast and furious and the word play and gags are non-stop. The on-stage relationship between Jack and his mother, dame Trot, flamboyantly and wittily played by Adam Stafford, is as hilarious as it is believable.
We are asked to don our glasses for the 3D aspect of the show, which is spectacular. We enter the into the land of the giants and this part of the show takes us into a magical journey. Inside the sleeping giant’s kitchen we are presented with flying bats, skeleton faces and spiders, which both surprise and excite the audience. As Jack knocks over the huge pepper pot and the giant awakes, he sneezes and we are virtually splatted by green globules of snot.
This production is cleverly executed and the 3D element to the show was perfectly integrated. A must-see event for all the family.
Reviewed on 15 December 2015 by Janis Sims at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford where it runs until 24 January 2016.