The most wonderful time of the year gets into full festive swing for Glasgow with the King’s Theatre annual pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. The popular family show brings Christmas cheer in abundance with an extended run over the holidays.
A pantomime is as important to a Glaswegian Christmas as the turkey and the tree, with an audience packed full of excited children and Christmas jumper-clad adults.
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Set in the fictional town of GlasVegas, Jack Trot lives with his mammy, Dame Trot, on their family farm. The cruel Mrs Blunderbore and her villainous husband The Giant threaten to steal all the animals from GlasVegas including their beloved Daisy the Cow.
The beautiful Princess Jill swears she will defeat the giant and rescue the town from their evil grip. All with the help of loveable Jack who vows to climb the magic beanstalk. However will they succeed? Will Jack finally tell the Princess he loves her and live happily ever after? That’s your festive dramatic tension for this year.
Pantomime stalwart Elaine C Smith resumed her usual lead role as Dame Trot performing alongside her sidekick and children’s favourite Johnny Mac as Jack Trot.
These pantomime veterans are experts in the well-trodden territory of on-stage comedy capers and the script is packed full of cheeky innuendos and slapstick patter to delight audiences.
Jonathon Watson joined the line up this year as King Hector – well known for his roles in popular BBC Shows Two Doors Down and Only An Excuse. Mrs Blunderbore played by Anne Smith was the perfect villain alongside her terrifying Giant husband and seemed to enjoy encouraging all the boos from the audience.
Mammy Nature played by Angela Darcy added plenty of sparkle and magic to ensure good won over evil.
Expect colourful costumes, local references, sing-along anthems, clever special effects and some Christmas magic.
This big-time pantomime spectacular is playing until Sunday 5 th January.