We were accompanied to this year’s Harrogate pantomime by 100 excited primary school pupils from Brackenfield School, and as usual, it did not disappoint.

Jack and the Beanstalk is a bright and lively production, directed by Marcus Romer, that delivers exactly what everyone expects of panto: big laughs, catchy musical numbers and plenty of audience participation.

The Dame (Harry Wyatt) steals the spotlight with quick-fire jokes and oversized costumes, while Jack (Dora Gee) is a likeable hero whose charm carries the story.

So many of the talented cast return year after year – not least Tim Stedman (Silly Simon), who is treading the Harrogate boards for the 25th year!

Michael Lambourne (Fleshcreep and King Bumble) is another veteran, well known for playing the villain! The children especially loved the larger-than-life giant, which was cleverly brought to life with impressive staging.

The show includes the usual components: slapstick comedy with moments of real warmth, and the musical numbers, ranging from pop hits to classic panto songs, keep the energy high. Some jokes go over the heads of younger viewers, but the pace never slows, and the colourful sets and lively choreography make it a visual treat. The children were fully engaged for the whole duration…which is long!

Over to the 6-year-olds from Brackenfield to give you their reviews!

My favourite character was Fleshcreep. The best part was Silly Simon as he was so funny.”Hugo
At the pantomime, my favourite bit was when Silly Simon said, ‘I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.’
Sophie
One day I went to the pantomime, and it was a lovely school trip. I loved Silly Simon because he was very silly.
Harry

At the pantomime they put on Jack and the Beanstalk. My favourite character was Silly Simon; he was very funny. I thought that Blunderbore the giant and his servant Fleshcreep were quite scary. Henry
I loved Silly Simon because he was so silly. I loved Jack because she was so fearless and brave. I did not like the giant because he was scary.Charlotte
I like Jack because she was very bold and had the courage to climb the beanstalk. I also like Dame Trotts and the part when she threw the magic beans down the well.
Edie

One day, me and the rest of the school went to the pantomime to watch Jack and the Beanstalk. In the middle we got vanilla ice cream. My favourite part was the giant saying, ‘Fi Fie Fo Fum, I smell the blood of a pesky human.’
David
There is nothing like a pantomime to kick off the festive season, and we highly recommend Harrogate’s superb offering this year!

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For more on Brackenfield School click here