The Empire Theatre's first professional pantomime production, by Stage Further, grasps the key principles of panto.

It is frenetic, funny and there is plenty of audience participation.

Stefan Booth as Jack Trott is a strong lead and wisely plays it for laughs throughout. Both he and Jill, played by the suitably winsome Kate Buxton, have decent voices and carry difficult songs well.

Booth really comes to life when improvising. He is warm, engaging and quick-witted when he brings four young audience members onstage for the traditional sing-song. Keiron Harris makes a superb panto villain as Fleshcreep, the giant's lackey.

Peter Brad-Leigh as Dame Trott gets dozens of belly laughs and her brother, Silly Billy, played by Johnny Barrs, is a hit with the children.

The dancers acquit themselves well and this is the only version of the fairytale this reporter has seen where the giant himself appears on stage.

The script writers never miss an opportunity to shoehorn in another pun or gag and there are a few excellent one-liners, such as Billy Trott in the giant's dungeon: "It's dark and scary - a bit like Stanley." They also cannot resist a dig at a less well-received panto production at the Empire's nearest neighbours, the Gala Theatre.

Booth quips at the climax: "This has been Jack and the Beanstalk at Consett and we hope you have enjoyed the show. "If you haven't, this has been Snow White at Durham."

A couple of the comic set-pieces involving Dame Trott and Billy were not tight enough, or particularly amusing.

But overall this was a polished production that was excellent for a first attempt. Here's hoping Stage Further come back next year.

Published: 24/12/2004