Gorleston Pavilion may have been with us for more than 100 years but this season from Oh Yes It Is Productions is a relative newcomer – it’s the third year. Appropriately for a show which has the sea on its doorstep, it's as traditional as seaside rock and it's got all the elements you'd expect for a jolly night out. Accomplished teamThe three people behind the company are local broadcaster Helen McDermott; set designer and scenic artist Ian Westbrook - whose work is enjoyed at Cromer's Seaside Special - and Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre actor Desmond Barrit. Des may be a top classical man who's about to film an episode of Midsomer Murders, but along with the other two, he has a passion for pantomime and a determination to keep the theatre alive by attracting new and younger audiences. No doubt none of them makes much money from this. It's all about love and commitment - and it shows. 'Lively script'Des Barrit provides a lively and often funny script which sticks to the story line and sets a cracking pace. Helen McDermott works hard to promote the show throughout the year, especially to schools, and is sharing the role of the Good Fairy with Anglia TV weather presenter Wendy Hurrell. Visually Ian Westbrook's contribution is considerable. This is his local theatre and he tailors sets which are a joy to behold, especially in this chocolate box setting of the Edwardian pavilion. The costumes are stunning particularly in one outstanding scene - the land of the clouds just after the interval - where it all comes together in eye-catching beauty. Everyone knows the story of Jack And The Beanstalk, with magic beans producing a magic beanstalk which he climbs to confront the giant. But in this production it's very convincing, if not scary. I don't think children will be terrified by it, but they might grab hold of your hand. Strong castThere's a strong cast. Great Yarmouth's Wendy Hurrell is a charming Good Fairy with a great voice and she's a big asset to the show. But the production's real strength is in the two leads: Jack and Dame Trott. Stewart Charlesworth is terrific as Jack. From the moment he bounces on like Tigger, the stage lights up. He’s got a winning ear-to-ear smile and a wide-eyed innocence which will endear him to audiences, especially when the theatre's full of school parties who will yell their heads off for him. And then there's the larger-than-life find of Mark Hudson as the Dame. What an act! Dame Trott fires out ancient jokes with class and he builds up a great rapport with the audiences. As for the outrageous panto dame costumes, I lost count of how many daft dresses and wigs he - or is that she - wore. Mark David Nash is suitably villainous as the Giant’s henchman and Mark Gracey completes the principals. In the capable hands of musical director John Lindford, the songs zipped along. Alison Golding is the choreographer and all credit too for the sound and lighting design which make this show work so well and look so good. If you hate pantomime or simply can’t understand it, stay away. If not, then this is a theatre which deserves a lovely show like Jack And The Beanstalk. In what is a highly competitive market in Great Yarmouth, where there are other pantomimes and the Hippodrome Circus, I hope they get the support from the public they deserve. Jack And The Beanstalk runs at Gorleston Pavilion until 6 January, 2007. | 
