I’ve seen a fair few pantos in my day and my goodness, when it comes to sheer quality from the bar bell to the final curtain, the Torch’s 2024 offering is right up there in the illuminated rankings.

Without putting too fine a point upon it, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is one mightily crafted production which bears the unmistakable hallmark of artistic director Chelsey Gillard.

This woman has created a production where the characters are vying for the crown of glory alongside Gillard’s exceptionally energised script, her highly original ideas (such as the fabulous milking sketch and Pat the Cow’s psychic powers with the wind turbines), which are all moulded together with a highly comedic and some outrageously innuendo humour.

At the risk of offending, it has to be said that so many pantomimes (particularly those which invest in those ‘big’ A listers who occasionally can’t act, sing or dance for toffee), invariably have characters which fall into three performance categories – the exceptionally good, the miserably bad and the downright depressingly ugly.  But the Torch’s ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is blindingly consistent in its cast quality.

Enter Lloyd Grayshon, who from the moment he flounced into the theatre as Mrs Trott, he engaged instantaneously with his audience (especially the fantastic Liam in Row G!)

My goodness, does Grayshon absorb his character, yet not once did he over-stage nor overshadow the others. Special mention has to go to his vocal duets with Jack (Gareth Elis) with both singers displaying some gorgeous harmonies, some crystal clear vocal ranges and some strong musical energy. The pantomime’s music and lyrics were written by Pembrokeshire-based composer James Williams, who must be applauded for some fabulously catchy songs and arrangements, all assisted by musical director Sarah Benbow.

Fairy Gabby Greenfingers was played by eminent actor and choreographer Elena Carys-Thomas, who has performed extensively with S4C, the National Theatre Wales, the Sherman Theatre and the Welsh National Opera.  Wearing that delicious skirt made of sprout leaves (I love it!) Elena spun her beautiful charm into the production with her sing-sing north Walian accent, a smattering of Welsh words and a huge charisma.

Meanwhile Carri Munn (Pat the Cow), gave us a beautifully measured performance and some  impeccable timings which resulted in everyone falling in love with her.  Munn’s ability as a stand-up comedian was obvious throughout her solo stint prior to the final scene where she played the audience with true skill.

But perhaps the couple that deserve the biggest round of applause are those delicious Kevin and Perry wannabes, namely Agz and Tez Fleshcreep (Freya Dare and Samuel Freeman).

What a duo!  Their facial expressions batted off one another while their command of the stage was exceptional, thanks once again, to Chelsey Gillard’s exceptional directions and Freya’s beautiful agility.  

So if anyone hasn’t yet booked their tickets, trot along to The Torch and make sure that your Christmas will be even more special because at the end of the day, that Jack and the Beanstalk team really are magical!