Review: Jack and the Beanstalk at the Grand Opera House
'Must see' for all the family
Last updated 5th Dec 2018
This year’s festive panto is the perfect mix of old and new to keep the whole family happy.
Jack and the Beanstalk is full of all the usual, modern flourishes but also boasts some traditional pantomime elements in the form of visual effects and a striking set, a nostalgic throwback for all the big kids in the audience.
Fighting to save the love of his life from the Giant’s wrath and his family from wrack and ruin, Jack, played by Michael Pickering, is tasked with rescuing Princess Apricot and beating the evil giant.
The age-old tale of love, adversity and magic beans is told through spectacular casting including David Bedella as the ultimate baddie and the giant’s sidekick, Fleshcreep.
The double Olivier award-winning actor played Captain Hook in Peter Pan last Christmas.
No Belfast Christmas pantomime would be complete without the city’s queen of comedy, May McFettridge.
She returns for 2018 as Dame May Trot to mark 29 years on stage as Northern Ireland’s most loved character act.
Expertly played by John Linehan, the old hand knows exactly how to give the audience a good giggle with toilet humour, local references and a very special interactive treat.
Suffice to say no member of the audience is safe from May’s taunts and anyone could find themselves in the firing line.
The show is a spectacular celebration of local talent and showcases some of Northern Ireland’s finest actors in the form of Paddy Jenkins as farmer Paddy Trot and Joanna O’Hare as Mother Nature.
It also features children from the McMaster Stage School in their 27th Grand Opera House appearance.
The musical scenes are brought to life with popular songs from the sensational The Greatest Showman.
As well as the music, this year’s pantomime transfixes the audience with its theatrical and visual effects and a sensational 3D scene featuring May in a helicopter.
Jack and the Beanstalk is the perfect combination of comedy, theatre, visual effects and specialty acts including a show stopping, daring, roller skating performance from acrobat and aerialist duo The Belfast Roller Rollers.
Christmas panto at the Grand Opera House continues to be the highlight in the festive season calendar and a family tradition for many.
This year is no exception, with sensational 3D scenes, music and lyrics to get the whole family going and May at her best, Jack and the Beanstalk is the annual festive treat it promises to be with a few surprise flourishes.
A must see for all the family.
