Forum Theatre, Billingham

THE festive season is never quite complete without a Christmas panto and this year the Forum has served up a real treat with its production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

From the moment the curtain went up and requisite baddy Fleshcreep appeared on stage, the audience was hooked with slick performances, elaborate staging, fabulous costumes and enough humour and giggles to last the year.

It is little wonder this year’s panto is breaking box office records.

The story of Jack’s battle with the giant moved at a pace and was littered with song and dance from beginning to end.

However, it was the onslaught of jokes, funny quips and downright silliness that had the audience shouting for more in this wellwritten and brilliantly executed two-hour extravaganza.

Former Emmerdale and Dancing on Ice winner Hayley Tamaddon shows off her impressive voice in her role as the beautiful Princess, opposite Waterloo Road’s Ben Ryan Davies, who plays Jack.

However, they are far from being the only stars of the show. Deserving special mention are Matt Turnbull, who plays the evil Fleshcreep, who had children literally hiding behind their seats; funnyman Barnaby, who has the crowd eating out of his hand as Barney; Russ Randelle, who plays Dame Tilly Durden; and the marsh mallow-eating Pip Randelle.

Produced and directed by Duggie Chapman, this year’s panto is well worth a visit.

  •  Runs until January 6.

Tickets: £12.50 and £16.50.

Box Office: 01642-552663.