'Tis the season to be merry - and surely one of the most merry-making activities of all is the jolly old panto. The good folk of Sutton Coldfield Town Hall appreciate that, and this year have begun a partnership with TaleGate Theatre who have produced a Giant of a pantomime - Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jack (Harry Hindley), his mum Dame Trott (Danny Mills) and brother Silly Billy Trott (Tommy Murray) are not merely destitute and at risk of selling their pal, Daisy the Cow. In a twist to the classic tale that befits Sutton Coldfield, the family’s Giant landlord and his minion Slimebag (Rachel Richards) are planning to evict the locals, and build on the Green Belt. Enter Fairy Organic (Imogen Hope), who plans to counter the dastardly Slimebag with flower power.

The play opens with a huge song and dance number, introducing our heroes who are protesting to save the Green Belt - along with the youth ensemble dance troupe, led by pro dancers Gabriella Shuttleworth and Farrah Palmer. There are impressive dance sequences throughout the show, choreographed by Justine Lee, and it’s a lovely celebration of some very talented local dancers.

The moment Danny Mills steps on stage as Dame Trott (‘Call me Trotty’), the audience was in stitches. The size of Trotty’s grumpy personality is matched only by her wardrobe - she wears some spectacular costumes, from extravagant wigs to cow-print shoes. Tommy Murray as Silly Billy matches Mills, and between them the comedy duo keep the laughs coming.

Jack and Fairy Organic both get their moment to shine with a musical number or two - and Rachel Richards clearly has great fun when Slimeball opens the second half with a ballad and backing dancers. The whole cast is engaging from the opening number to the end of the show, when the audience can get involved and sing the Twelve Days of Christmas... with a panto twist, of course.

The Giant - watch out, He’s Behind You! - and beanstalk are both great fun, and Daisy the Cow is moo-vellous. The lighting effects were certainly bombastic, but a little distracting at times. Otherwise, the show is accessible and enjoyable for all ages - the kids at the front were clearly having a whale of a time, and adults were booing and cheering with gusto. 

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is now run by a charitable trust, and is well on its way to becoming a treasured social hub and events venue. TaleGate are due to return next year, and the team at the Town Hall are sure to welcome them with open arms - Oh yes, they are!

Reviewed by Jessica Clixby on Friday 15 December at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, where Jack And The Beanstalk continues to show until Sunday 31 December.