It’s the season for pantomimes throughout the country and I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, a giant pantomime spectacular at Swansea Grand Theatre.

This year starring Louie Spence, the much-loved household name, who has starred in the West End and also numerous TV shows.

Amongst the other stars of the show are Kevin Johns the ever present Dame Trot, Peter Piper as Simple Simon and Zoe George as Princess Apricot. Children from the Mellin Theatre Arts group formed part of the dance troop and were faultless with their dance routines.

Everyone knows the story of Jack and the Beanstalk but the way this story unfolds is a little different.

There are many references to local places in and around the Swansea area, which the audience were able to relate to.

The start of the show is set in the village of Abertawe, and tells the story easily with the use of music, breathtaking sets and costumes.

The audience were in awe of the large lavish production and in particular the enormous moving and talking giant and the huge beanstalk.

Louie Spence’s character could not have been better cast as the ‘Spirit of the Beans’, from the opening scene he pirouetted, danced and played the part so brilliantly, he had the audience in raptures of laughter throughout the show.

Another extremely entertaining part of the show was the appearance of a pseudo Basil Fawlty and David Attenborough, this again drew enormous laughter from the audience.

Near the end of the show the four main characters embarked on an extremely well choreographed dance and sing-a-long routine. It was hilarious as it was chaotic.

This production will entertain all age groups and due to the exceptionally talented cast will be popular with audiences during its Christmas period run.

As the audience streamed away from the theatre I was left in no doubt that everyone had thoroughly enjoyed their evenings entertainment and I would have no hesitation in recommending a visit to see this highly entertaining, big budget and hilarious production for a Christmas family treat.

For more information about Jack and the Beanstalk at the Swansea Grand Theatre, which runs until Sunday January 10 2016 visit www.swanseagrand.co.uk or call the box office on 01792 475715