Jack and the Beanstalk

The Connaught, once known for its excellent pantomimes, falls way below previous standards for the second year running, mainly because of the poor script. What has always been a traditional form of entertainment for children is now being used to score points with the adult members of the audience with constant references to the likes of Simon Cowell.

Another noticeable change in pantomimes is the tendency to cast well-known names from television. In this case, former Ground Force presenter Charlie Dimmock appears as the Fairy Queen, renamed Fairy Organic. She is more than adequate in the role, but are children that aware of big names on the small screen?

Ian Mowat is excellent as Dame Trott and Tony Rudd, as Simple Simon, returns for the second year running, again showing he has a way with a young audience. It has to be said that quite a lot of speech is lost because of over-amplification, not helped by the fact that not all members of the cast speak as clearly as Janine Pardo – a true pantomime performer – in the role of the Princess.

The scenery and costumes take first prize, and the dance routines are excellent.