Carla Freeman and Toby Lord as Pat and Jack.
Photograph by Robert Day.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Cast: Aretha Ayeh, Marianne Benedict, Carla Freeman, Matthew Ganley, Adam Keast, Toby Lord, Rhona McGregor, Griffin Stevens, Francis Tucker.

There are just times when you know the planets are aligned in the solar journeys correctly, that the world outside the window can take a break from the unceasingly bad news and that in the face of any adversity that the city may face, that the Rock ‘N’ Roll panto will just always be a shining beacon of good times and good music.

Following on from last year’s wonderful night of panto mayhem, the brilliant Cinderella, Mop! In The Name of Love, the team that brings so much fun to the Liverpool audiences at this time of year have once again hit the perfect note with Jack and the Beanstalk, These Shoots are Made for Walking!

The silliness you would expect, it is the absolute jewel which makes the show a joy, at any age, to see. From the very youngest to the seasoned veteran of theatre, the great script by the talented Mark Chatterton and Sarah A. Nixon will have any audience leaving the theatre with huge smiles plastered all over the faces.

With songs such as Britney Spears’ Toxic, Robbie William’s Let Me Entertain You, Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman and a stunning version of Adele’s Skyfall, sung by the exceptional Marianne Benedict, the music spoke volumes to the audience as they danced and sang to the multi-talented cast’s perfect tunes.

Adam Keast and Francis Tucker excel in this type of arena and as ever bounce of each other’s actions with humour, hilarity and a sense of humility at their ability to make people laugh. It is their experience that they bring as a team that makes them so endearing to the audience.

The cast were at the most inspired, most creative and above all and what really matters at this time of year at their most fun and sensational sparkling best. There can surely never be a time when the thought of a Rock ‘N’ Roll panto will not include the combined delights of The Playhouse/Everyman, Mark Chatterton, Sarah A. Nixon, Adam Keast and Francis Tucker; it is an almost unthinkable proposition and one that must never be allowed to take place.

If you go down to the panto today, you are sure to ‘owl with laughter and get ready to moo to your heart’s content.

Ian D. Hall