BRIGHTON was without a pantomime until David Hill and The Brighton Family Panto Team brought one back for a successful return last year. ARRON HENDY reviewed the follow-up and found it is a blast for all the family.

Review

Jack and the Beanstalk

Hilton Brighton Metropole

CHRISTMAS without panto? That’s like turkey without stuffing or a stocking with no presents. It’s just not right. And if you live in Brighton and Hove the good news is that we have one right on our doorstep again this year.

Jack and the Beanstalk is a giant night of fun for the whole family for lots of reasons. As you arrive they have somehow turned one of the huge rooms into a mini Christmas market with cute stalls, a big soft play climbing structure and rides.

The show itself is a joy too. It has all the classic panto elements: the ghost scene, a proper dame with David Rumelle pulling off more jawdropping costume changes than you’ve had hot dinners; and lots of other great characters.

Richard Dawes as Silly Billy is one of those stars who has so much energy you wonder where he gets it all from. The giants is fantastic too.

I think what gives this show its extra sparkle is the quality of the performers and particularly the singing. The cast can all carry a tune but the wonderful Keris Lea was a particular highlight for me. Her voice fills the huge venue and Brighton will lose a great personality when the singer from The Sundaes reportedly leaves town for pastures new next year. Keris please come back sometime, at least for Panto!