Panto is my favourite Christmas tradition with the family and Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bournemouth Pavilion is full of glitz and glamour, chart topping songs, special effects, mayhem, family friendly gags and plenty of audience participation!

The story is set in Boggy Bottom and the villainous Fleshcreep needs to get his hands on a cow to feed the scary giant.  When Jack’s mum needs to sell Daisy the Cow to pay the bills she’s taken off to market and sold to a disguised Fleshcreep for a bag of magical beans.  Of course they’re just normal beans until a sparkly fairy works her magic and a huge beanstalk appears!

Every panto has to have a Dame and Jacks mother has extravagant costumes and plenty of cheeky gags.  Jacks brother is Silly Simon and any scene with him in is hilarious.

Jacks best friend is a brave Princess and she gets kidnapped by Flashcreep and taken to the giant, so Jack offers to go find her and save Daisy the Cow from being eaten.

In the interval you can collect your 3D special effects glasses from the foyer and you’ll know when to use them.  This was a highlight for me and I really enjoyed listening to the kids screeching when certain parts made you jump.

The whole cast are just brilliant including the fairy, the King (who has the hots for Jacks mum) and the dancers, some of which are adorable and very professional children.  And we can’t forget Daisy the Cow with her top performance.

Jack and the Beanstalk is running until Sunday 5th January 2025 with evening and matinee performances.  For more information and tickets, please visit Bournemouth Pavilion.

Dorsetmums was invited for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.