Theatre review: Jack and the Beanstalk - Perth Theatre

SCOTLAND’S emerging panto genius Alan McHugh is a busy man. He’s written scripts for Christmas shows playing in Perth, Aberdeen, Kirkcaldy and Glasgow (twice), and after years in training at Kirkcaldy, he’s now resident dame at His Majesty’s in Aberdeen.

So it’s hardly surprising there are occasional signs of a slight crisis of inspiration in his futuristic version of Jack And The Beanstalk. Jack’s small-town home is dubbed Retropolis, and the giant’s land in the clouds Stratospheria, hardly the catchiest names; the jokes are sometimes too desperately lavatorial to be funny, and local references are scanty.

If the whole show sometimes looks like a crash-course in the art of coarse panto, though – fairy’s wings falling off, Barrie Hunter’s raunchy dame literally feeling her way into the role – Andrew Panton’s production radiates real panto spirit, and an exciting sense of promise, as it pulls together a new panto team for new times.Hunter’s dame (Marge O’Ree, of Marge’s Milk Bar) could speedily mature into something special, Sandy Batchelor and Bethany Compson-Bradford are pretty adorable as Jack and his shouty princess, Lulu; and the choice of songs – featuring great Scottish standards Shout and 500 Miles – is excellent. As is the joyful use of a dancing chorus of local kids. “Oh look, a whole load of wee Proclaimers!” yells Marge, as the tinies arrive on stage with black-rimmed specs and cardboard guitars to perform 500 Miles; and the audience roar their approval straight back, revelling in the happiest and liveliest Perth panto for years.

Rating: ***