Jack and the Beanstalk

The Alhambra

WHERE can you find dancing sheep, a giant rat, sizzling salsa, thrilling aerial stunts and a sprinkling of magic beans in Bradford this Christmas?

It couldn't be anywhere else but the Alhambra theatre, where audiences are enjoying a journey right to the top of the beanstalk led by panto king Billy Pearce.

Billy is back for his 17th pantomime at the Alhambra and his fans couldn't be happier, judging by the reaction from last night's delighted audience. From the moment he burst onto the stage he had an almost packed-out audience in his palm, and he worked it with all the energy and sparkle of a seasoned pro.

We've come to expect high standards from West Yorkshire's biggest panto, and this year's production - Jack and the Beanstalk - didn't disappoint. The spectacular special effects - I won't give too much away, as it would spoil the surprise for future audiences - were worthy of any West End show. A towering beanstalk which literally grew in front of our eyes took us on a thrilling 3D journey through the Giant's lair, and the chase scene with Billy was a scream.

One of the special effects was particularly breathtaking - and I still have no idea how it was pulled off.

While it's sophisticated and hi-tech enough to draw the attention of young audiences, the show also retains the traditional elements of panto, including a delightfully old-fashioned pantomime cow and plenty of quickfire gags. Billy's hilarious shopping trolley scene with Dame Trott, (the excellent Adam Stafford) was a highlight of the show.

And it's that blend of tradition and modern magic which makes this production so entertaining. A little girl sitting behind me was so wrapped up in the action she was practically up on the stage with the cast. "He's behind you!" she cried at the top of her voice, followed by: "It's a rat, a rat!" several times, then when Billy and the gang asked the audience: "A rat? Why didn't you say?" she shrieked: "We did!" Every time Billy came on stage she shouted: "Hello Jack!"

Literally on the edge of her seat, she was clearly loving every minute - apart from the contents of the Giant's cave which had her in floods of tears and clinging to her dad. A minute later she was happily shouting out to Billy and co again. It seemed to sum up perfectly what panto is all about.

Billy, as always, had us in stitches and proved yet again why he's top of his game. His boundless energy would put a man half his age to shame, and he made the tricky technical scenes look effortless. His comic timing and rapport is flawless, and he brings a lovely vulnerable quality to what, in the wrong hands, could just be a one-dimensional cheeky chappie role. In the scene where Jack is scolded by his mother for selling the cow for beans, Billy almost brought a lump to the throat with three softly spoken words: "So sorry Mum".

Billy is joined by a top notch cast, who looked like they were having the time of their lives. Lisa Riley was terrific as Spirit of the Beans, a lively comic role which she delivered with great warmth. She showed off her impressive Strictly moves in a fabulous Latino routine with former professional dancer Jake Canuso, sending up the Spanish charmer from his TV Benidorm role with style. John Challis was a class act as the villain, Fleshcreep, signing off with a nice Boycie line. And Adam Stafford once again proved why he's one of the best Dames in the country.

Well done too the excellent ensemble of dancers - and to Stillie Dee for the slick choreography - and of course the delightful Sunbeams from Sara Packham Dance School.

The last word goes to the little girl behind me who couldn't stop grinning by the time the curtain fell. She'll probably remember this show forever - and that would be the best legacy for such a fun, classy, hugely entertaining production.

Runs until January 24, 2016.