REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend from Sat 14th December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025.
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend from Sat 14th December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025.
As if we didn’t already know this, Rylan Clark, tv and radio presenter, X Factor contestant, Eurovision host, Big Brother winner and podcaster, can really turn his hand to anything; and if this is his first time doing panto, let’s hope he gets to do many more. If you’re a Rylan fan, you won’t be disappointed and if you’re not, well chances are you almost certainly will be by the end of this year’s Cliffs Pavilion, Southend panto.
The pantomime, of course, is Jack and the Beanstalk in which Rylan is playing the Spirit of the Beans, frequently twirling on and off stage in all his green feathery campness. The Spirit is there in order to help Jack and his love interest, Jill, together with Jack’s brother Silly Simon and their mum, Dame Trot, to thwart the dastardly, Fleshcreep and the Giant who lives in the clouds.
This pantomime sticks to a fairly traditional trajectory but, as seems to be the case in pantomimes of late, the original storyline is conveniently given a cheeky plot twist in order to accommodate characters such as the Spirit of the Beans and Fleshcreep. Ultimately, who really cares how the story unfolds, as long as we’re having a good time right?
The pantomime, of course, is Jack and the Beanstalk in which Rylan is playing the Spirit of the Beans, frequently twirling on and off stage in all his green feathery campness. The Spirit is there in order to help Jack and his love interest, Jill, together with Jack’s brother Silly Simon and their mum, Dame Trot, to thwart the dastardly, Fleshcreep and the Giant who lives in the clouds.
This pantomime sticks to a fairly traditional trajectory but, as seems to be the case in pantomimes of late, the original storyline is conveniently given a cheeky plot twist in order to accommodate characters such as the Spirit of the Beans and Fleshcreep. Ultimately, who really cares how the story unfolds, as long as we’re having a good time right?
Yes, there are all the usual corny jokes and cheesy routines like the '12 Days of Christmas' skit but it’s fun and let’s not forget, there are lots of children for whom this show will be their first outing to see a panto or even to a theatre, and you could hear the magical sound of children’s laughter throughout the course of the whole show. That said, there are also plenty of innuendos to keep the adults chuckling and perhaps also quietly hoping that the jokes are definitely going over the children’s heads. The parents of the little lad in front of me shared a ‘how did he get that joke?’, look between them at one point, which made me chuckle.
Silly Simon as the purveyor of most of the silly jokes, is played to perfection by Aaron James, who instantly has the audience on his side from the get go and has the unenviable task of keeping the pace of the show going. He does a great turn at one point where he does an A to Z of impressions which was pretty impressive and he has a great way of endearing himself to the audience.
Nic Greenshields has the audience booing him at his very first entrance as the evil Fleshcreep and continues to keep the baddie vibes flowing throughout until his unfortunate, yet hilarious demise. He almost wins us over with his ‘Bad Guy’ (Billie Eilish) routine but this doesn’t last for long and the boos keep coming in true panto style.
Matt Cavendish taking over the role of Dame Trot last minute due to cast illness, took to the role like he’d been doing it for years with lots of hoop-la and colourful costume changes. It's no surprise to learn that he has performed in the Mischief Theatre productions, such as The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong amongst many others.
Silly Simon as the purveyor of most of the silly jokes, is played to perfection by Aaron James, who instantly has the audience on his side from the get go and has the unenviable task of keeping the pace of the show going. He does a great turn at one point where he does an A to Z of impressions which was pretty impressive and he has a great way of endearing himself to the audience.
Nic Greenshields has the audience booing him at his very first entrance as the evil Fleshcreep and continues to keep the baddie vibes flowing throughout until his unfortunate, yet hilarious demise. He almost wins us over with his ‘Bad Guy’ (Billie Eilish) routine but this doesn’t last for long and the boos keep coming in true panto style.
Matt Cavendish taking over the role of Dame Trot last minute due to cast illness, took to the role like he’d been doing it for years with lots of hoop-la and colourful costume changes. It's no surprise to learn that he has performed in the Mischief Theatre productions, such as The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong amongst many others.
The leading cast are backed up by a super smiley and energetic ensemble and there’s lots of singing and dancing to be had. Jack and Jill played by Toby Miles and Georgia Joan Clements get to show off some lovely vocals and dancing skills. Jill kicking off with a fab panto version of Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ was a great move to get the show rolling.
Of course Rylan is the one everyone is waiting for and he doesn’t disappoint. Those of you who listen to his radio show on BBC Radio 2 will be familiar with the regular phone calls with his mum, Linda; and, not only does Linda introduce the show with a very professional sounding voice over, her calls to Rylan’s mobile throughout the show are a constant source of hilarity, with Rylan trying to crack on with the show whilst having to tell his mum how many people are in the audience and how the show’s going.
His role has been well written and the constant breaking of character, alongside the banter with Silly Simon works brilliantly. What really helps here, is that Rylan is a natural on stage; for someone who’s never done pantomime before, he really ‘gets it’ and his joy at being on stage beautifully exudes out into the audience, who love him. And yes, in case you were wondering and haven’t seen our interview with Rylan, he does sing and is a pretty decent dancer too, not least in the ‘Ain’t No Beanstalk High Enough’ number.
Of course Rylan is the one everyone is waiting for and he doesn’t disappoint. Those of you who listen to his radio show on BBC Radio 2 will be familiar with the regular phone calls with his mum, Linda; and, not only does Linda introduce the show with a very professional sounding voice over, her calls to Rylan’s mobile throughout the show are a constant source of hilarity, with Rylan trying to crack on with the show whilst having to tell his mum how many people are in the audience and how the show’s going.
His role has been well written and the constant breaking of character, alongside the banter with Silly Simon works brilliantly. What really helps here, is that Rylan is a natural on stage; for someone who’s never done pantomime before, he really ‘gets it’ and his joy at being on stage beautifully exudes out into the audience, who love him. And yes, in case you were wondering and haven’t seen our interview with Rylan, he does sing and is a pretty decent dancer too, not least in the ‘Ain’t No Beanstalk High Enough’ number.
Scenery, lighting and costumes, as expected from a Crossroads Pantomines production are well done and gorgeous; and this year, they’ve even added some special effects in the form of some 3D action in Act 2. It has to be said, that although effective, it could be a little scary for the small kids and also anyone who’s scared of spiders (me) may want to leave the 3D glasses off for that bit. I can confirm that I was very brave and kept them on.
The most random part of the night is top of Act 2 when Rylan hovers above the audience in a jet pack. Possibly an opportunity for anyone nearer the back of the audience to get a better glimpse of Rylan and his pearly whites.
So, does this production reach for the sky? For the most part. With dazzling sets, and a cast clearly having a ball, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Cliffs Pavilion offers a giant dose of festive fun. Rylan is a triumph, effortlessly commanding the stage with his Essex banter, wit and warmth, proving that he’s not just a dab hand at presenting, but a true panto pro.
If you’re looking for a perfect way to round off the Christmas season (or kick off the New Year with a bang), then climb aboard this beanstalk before it’s chopped down! But hurry, because this magical adventure closes its doors on Sunday 5th January 2025 – and you don't want to miss out on this giant of a show!
Review: Kim Tobin
The most random part of the night is top of Act 2 when Rylan hovers above the audience in a jet pack. Possibly an opportunity for anyone nearer the back of the audience to get a better glimpse of Rylan and his pearly whites.
So, does this production reach for the sky? For the most part. With dazzling sets, and a cast clearly having a ball, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Cliffs Pavilion offers a giant dose of festive fun. Rylan is a triumph, effortlessly commanding the stage with his Essex banter, wit and warmth, proving that he’s not just a dab hand at presenting, but a true panto pro.
If you’re looking for a perfect way to round off the Christmas season (or kick off the New Year with a bang), then climb aboard this beanstalk before it’s chopped down! But hurry, because this magical adventure closes its doors on Sunday 5th January 2025 – and you don't want to miss out on this giant of a show!
Review: Kim Tobin
Southend Theatre Scene were invited to the Press Launch of this year's Cliffs Pavilion pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Rylan Clark as the Spirit of the Beans. Check out the footage below to find out what happens behind the scenes when the cast get to dress up in their costumes for the first time at the theatre.
Interviews with the cast are coming very soon! Stay posted..
Interviews with the cast are coming very soon! Stay posted..
Photo Credit: KimTobinPhotography Rylan as the Spirit of the Beans, alongside Neal Wright as Dame Trot, Aaron James as Silly Simon, Toby Miles as Jack and Nic Greenshields as Fleshcreep
Southend Theatres and pantomime producer Crossroads Pantomimes have announced further casting for this year’s Cliffs Pavilion pantomime adventure, Jack and the Beanstalk from Saturday 14 December 2024.
Joining the previously announced award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan as The Spirit of the Beans will be comedian Aaron James as Silly Simon, Neal Wright as Dame Trot and West End performers Nic Greenshields as Fleshcreep, Toby Miles as Jack Trot and Allana Taylor as Princess Jill.
Award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one bestselling author Rylan caught our attention as an X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother favourite. Since then he’s carved out a successful career as one of the UK’s most loved broadcasters known for hosting Eurovision, This Morning, Celebrity Goggle Box, Homophobia, Football & Me, BBC Radio 2’s Rylan on Saturday and Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour.
Joining the previously announced award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan as The Spirit of the Beans will be comedian Aaron James as Silly Simon, Neal Wright as Dame Trot and West End performers Nic Greenshields as Fleshcreep, Toby Miles as Jack Trot and Allana Taylor as Princess Jill.
Award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one bestselling author Rylan caught our attention as an X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother favourite. Since then he’s carved out a successful career as one of the UK’s most loved broadcasters known for hosting Eurovision, This Morning, Celebrity Goggle Box, Homophobia, Football & Me, BBC Radio 2’s Rylan on Saturday and Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour.
Panto favourite Aaron James honed his comedy skills as a green coat for Warner's 30 years ago and has appeared in theatre tours supporting George Best, Joe Calzaghe, Eric Cantona and Joe Pasquale amongst others. Aaron is regarded as one of the best impressionists around today.
Neal Wright theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Adelphi Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Prince Edward Theatre), South Pacific (National Theatre) and has appeared in many pantomimes include Cinderella at the Cliffs Pavilion, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, and Aladdin for Crossroads Pantomimes. Nic Greenshields’ is currently touring in The Wizard of Oz playing the role of the Lion and his other credits include Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma!, Les Misérables and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Allana Taylor’ is currently touring in Hairspray playing the role of Amber Von Tussle. Her other credits include Grease the Musical (Dominion Theatre), Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk (Crossroads Pantomimes). Toby Miles’ credits include Mamma Mia! (UK and International tour) and Les Misérables (Queens Theatre).
Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack’s fight to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams. Featuring laughs, music, special effects and bundles of audience participation, this is the panto you’ve bean waiting for!
Jack and the Beanstalk will play at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend, from Saturday 14 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025. Tickets are available from www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk
Neal Wright theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Adelphi Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Prince Edward Theatre), South Pacific (National Theatre) and has appeared in many pantomimes include Cinderella at the Cliffs Pavilion, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, and Aladdin for Crossroads Pantomimes. Nic Greenshields’ is currently touring in The Wizard of Oz playing the role of the Lion and his other credits include Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma!, Les Misérables and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Allana Taylor’ is currently touring in Hairspray playing the role of Amber Von Tussle. Her other credits include Grease the Musical (Dominion Theatre), Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk (Crossroads Pantomimes). Toby Miles’ credits include Mamma Mia! (UK and International tour) and Les Misérables (Queens Theatre).
Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack’s fight to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams. Featuring laughs, music, special effects and bundles of audience participation, this is the panto you’ve bean waiting for!
Jack and the Beanstalk will play at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend, from Saturday 14 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025. Tickets are available from www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk