Christmas magic with the cast of Jack And The Beanstalk at HMT. Image - Richard Frew
The glittering ball of fun that is His Majesty’s panto has arrived with not just a blizzard of spectacle, laughs and thrills but also an early Christmas present for the Granite City – a new anthem for Aberdeen.
In the midst of all the magic and joyous capering, the talented cast of Jack And The Beanstalk burst into a rousing chorus of We Love This City Of Aberdeen to the earworm classic tune We Built This City.
Not only did they have the HMT audience clapping along during the show, I heard more than a few folk singing and humming this love song to Aberdeen as they headed home after the curtain came down.
So, thanks for that, chaps.
Gary: Tank Commander was a blast in Jack And The Beanstalk at HMT. Image - Richard Frew
Mind you, folk were also leaving with memories that will last for months to come of a panto that easily stands with some of the best His Majesty’s festive treats of recent years.
From the brilliant costumes and dancing, to the laugh-filled routines – not to mention a truly jaw-dropping and fairly scary 3D sequence - this lived up to its billing as giant pantomime spectacular.
Leading this charge of festive frolics was much-loved Dame, Alan McHugh, who not only brings charisma and sheer joy to the stage – this is his 20th year – but also writes the script for the show.
Firmly rooted here in the north-east, the local references and gags were lapped up by the audience – even the ones taking a tongue-in-cheek swipe at areas ranging from Torry to Cults.
Comedy chemistry between Gary: Tank Commander. Image - Richard Frew
It’s a sparkling gag-filled masterpiece from the fast and furious one-liners to the hilarious slapstick that takes near perfect choreography to make it look that chaotic.
Making his welcome return to the HMT panto, Gary: Tank Commander won everyone over as soon as he stepped on stage and said: “I’m Gary” in the way only he can.
But he also settled into the role of daft laddie Gary Trot to Alan’s Dame Trot, with an easy blend between the iconic Tank Commander character and the traditional panto comic.
His chemistry with Alan was sublime, reaching its peak at the verbal fireworks of the tongue-twisting wordplay that is a hallmark of the HMT panto. From TikTok to Tic Tacs, tuk-tuks to tactics, it is glorious. And Gary almost got it right.
PJ Corrigan is udderly fantastic as Cow Pat. Image - Richard Frew
HMT stalwart PJ Corrigan rounded out the comedy three amigos of Jack And The Beanstalk as Cow Pat, managing to be the funniest person you'll ever see in a cow costume. He was udderly fantastic.
Also returning to the HMT panto family were local heroes Danielle Jam as feisty fairy, Spirit of the Beans, Michael Karl-Lewis as dashing Jack Trot and Jemma Ferries as fierce Princess Jill.
Of course, every panto needs a baddie and Julie Coombe was a gothic, whip-wielding delight as Mrs Blunderbore, the Giant’s wife. She earned every boo and hiss.
Each Christmas, one of the biggest questions is what will be the big special effect of the HMT panto? The clue was in the 3D glasses you pick up on the way in.
But that hint didn’t prepare you for an eye-popping sequence full of things leaping out from the screen to dangle in front of you. From skulls to vomiting magots, feral rats to spooky spiders, it drew shrieks and nervous laughter in equal turn.
Danielle Jam brings magic to her role as Spirit Of The Beans. Image - Richard Frew
Best though, was the way the characters interacted with the animated action, adding to the fun. Want to see Gary: Tank Commander moonwalk? Now you can.
By the time the party finale arrived, the HMT audience had been thrilled, scared, enjoyed belly-laughs galore then sent on their way full of Christmas spirit and the refrain of: “We love this city of Aberdeen” playing on a loop in their heads.
And the city of Aberdeen loves the HMT panto.
Jack And The Beanstalk runs at His Majesty's Theatre until Sunday, January 5. You can find more information and tickets here
Review by Scott Begbie
The superb ensemble cast of Jack And The Beanstalk, the glorious HMT panto. Image - Richard Frew