As Harrogate Theatre celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, the theatre has created a pantomime to be proud of. While this Jack and the Beanstalk might not have the big budget, famous faces and high-tech special effects of some of the bigger pantomimes in the north, what it lacks in financial clout it more than compensates for with a show that is funny, spectacular and entertaining. It is a production that will appeal to young and old alike.
The scenery was a visual treat– all bright and sparkling, with the choreography by David Kar-Hing Lee as precise as a timekeeper’s watch. The jokes were funny, at times with a regional bias, but never smutty or leading to innuendo.
The current cast has been performing in the Harrogate panto for many years, albeit with a few new faces this year. The chemistry and camaraderie between the cast shone through, something that comes from years of experience of working together.
A traditional story
The storyline of Jack and the Beanstalk hasn’t been amended too much, as David Bown’s script stays true to the original plot: Dame Tilly Trott (Harry Wyatt) runs an ice cream business with her children Silly Simon (Tim Steadman) and Jack (here it’s short for Jacqueline) Trott (Dora Gee). Unable to pay the rent, Tilly sends Simon off to the market to sell their beloved cow Verity (named after Verity Fearson estate agents, one of the sponsors of the panto).
On the way to market Silly Simon meets the devilishly deceiving character Fleshcreep (Michael Lambourne) who offers to buy Verity in exchange for some magic beans. The beans are planted and a huge beanstalk grows up, leading right to where the Giant lives.
A talented cast
All of the cast were excellent: Michael Lambourne had two roles not only as Fleshcreep but as King Bumble. Switching between the two characters with ease, in one scene he was a likeable king, in the next the evil and conniving pantomime baddie, and all portrayed in a theatrical style that was both convincing and charming. His commanding figure and presence made both roles ones you couldn’t keep your eyes off.
Likewise, Shannon Rewcroft, who swapped between her roles as Fairy of the Forest and Morag, the giant’s cook, with dexterity. In the former she was all sweetness and light, in the latter with her Glaswegian accent you could have been fooled into thinking that you were listening to wee Jimmy Krankie!
Harry Watt had some of the most outrageous costumes of the panto as the Dame. His rapport with the rest of the cast was natural, while Elouise Warboys as Princess Jill was charming and her friendship with Dora Gee as Jack worked well. The chemistry between the two was another component that made the scenes they were in together a success.
With her mannerisms and likeability, Dora Gee was perfectly cast as Jack. Her powerful vocals made many of the songs come alive while making the audience feel that it was your best friend up there on the stage.
Jack and the Beanstalk boasts two celebrity guest stars, albeit in audio form, in the voices of Harrogate comedian Maisie Adam, and of Matt Berry whose booming tongue-in-cheek tones are gigantic in more ways than one! The Harrogate panto has long been a breeding ground for future stars – Graham Norton appeared in the panto back in 1991.
Every panto has a star who audiences come back to see every year: Bradford has Billy Pearce and Harrogate has Tim Steadman, who this year marks his 25th Harrogate panto, playing the much-loved innocent buffoon, Silly Simon. As soon as he arrived on stage the love, warmth and respect from the auditorium was mutual. Having some of the best one-liners of the show, his comic timing and sheer daft nature had everyone laughing.
Let the music play on
Many pantos stick to songs that might be well past their sell-by-date– not in Harrogate! Musical Director Marcus Romer has had an eye on the music charts it appeared, as recent hits such as Golden (KPop Demon Hunters) and Stargazing (Myles Smith) were performed. There was a strong indication that he also might be a secret heavy metal fan as Fleshcreep performed a faithful rendition of the Alice Cooper track, Poison. As the giant made his appearance the familiar opening bars of Metallica’s Enter Sandman could be heard while as Fleshcreep ran around the stalls chasing Jack and Jill, they were accompanied by Black Sabbath’s Paranoid!
As the Calvin Harris / Rag ‘n’ Bone man track, Giant aptly played as the final curtain came down, Harrogate Theatre has yet again produced a giant of a panto, and one where many companies will aim to follow in their (giant) footsteps.
Access for all
Level access is possible to the theatre foyer and Box Office from Oxford Street. Access to the stalls seating area of the auditorium, the Stalls Bar, and an accessible toilet is via Cheltenham Parade. There are four wheelchair spaces in the rear of the stalls and all spaces are next to or behind a companion seat.
There are many steps and stairs in Harrogate Theatre, and level access is only possible as described above.
The theatre is able to respond to a range of access issues and provides lots of helpful information on its website. Contact the theatre for specific assistance.
Captioned, relaxed, audio-described and BSL performances are available, please see the performance schedule for specific details.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Harrogate Theatre until Sunday 18 January 2026.
