Let’s set the scene. It’s a cold winters night the week before Christmas, lights are twinkling and that can only mean one thing – a night at the Alhambra Theatre watching this year’s festive panto offering, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ which promises to be the best Bradford has seen yet.
With a star-studded cast featuring former ‘king of the Jungle’, Emmerdale’s own Danny Miller playing ‘Jack’, sparkling Drag Race favourite and showstopper Divina Di Campo playing the ‘Spirit of the Bean’ and Bradford comedy legend and all-round funny man, Billy Pearce as Farmer Jack, you know this panto performance has all the makings for great festive entertainment and by ‘eck did it deliver! All hail panto season!
In my humble opinion this panto is the best yet. Let’s just say all the stops were pulled out to make it bold, big and fabulous.
There’s an array or bright lights, dazzling costumes, spectacular musical numbers and a growing magical beanstalk, not forgetting the enormous giant protruding right into the audience making the whole house come alive. Jack and the Beanstalk is great fun for all ages and there were certainly all ages there.
The highlight act of the show for me had to be Yorkshire legend ‘Drag Races’ played by the fabulous Divina Di Campo. I am a massive fan and you could tell she was the audience favourite too, it almost felt like the whole theatre sat up a bit straighter every time DDC appeared on stage. She made everyone laugh with her dulcet Yorkshire innuendos and belting out a tune or two, proving for me, she really was the star of the show and shone the brightest light alongside counterparts Billy Pearce and Emmerdale’s Danny Miller, who in turn brought the show to life with the laughing jokes and good-natured family festive fun.
I came away full of festive cheer and could easily go back to watch it all over again. I loved this panto!
Head along to the Bradford Alhambra this panto season and feast your eyes on Jack and The Beanstalk, on at Bradford Alhambra Theatre until 22 January 2023. Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Review written by Shannon Palmer (Yorkshire Food Blogger of the Year 2022) @thelittlelifeofshazzap
