Tony Parker reviews Ilkley Upstagers' Jack and the Beanstalk at the Kings Hall, until February 2.

PANTOMIME in late January can sometimes feel like a Christmas hangover. This show only had the fizz and bubbles of a champagne performance.

Like the New Year sales, 500 people flocked to the King's Hall to see Jack and the Beanstalk.

The original pantomime, so we are told, goes back to Roman times, a 'dumb show' was performed where an actor would mimic various characters and scenes.

Only the obligatory panto cow was dumb in the latest production by Upstagers. Once again, this local company has produced an ambitious, amusing, lively and professional show.

This pantomime was of the modern classical variety. Our boy hero, Jack Trot was played with thigh-slapping enthusiasm by Claire Scott.

Paul Nowland brought boundless energy

to the character of the Dame, Tilly Trot, with Laura Judge's Black Spider bringing that

element of menace into the performance.

We had lots of music, dance, topical jokes and cries of 'behind you' and 'oh no, he isn't'. You get the picture.

But let's be honest, panto is for kids of various sizes. The children on this occasion were in party mood and followed the story as it developed over two and three quarter hours. The parents certainly received value for money!

The success was in the mix. The show constantly changed pace and mood over 13 different scenes. The choreography was particularly impressive. I lost count of the number of dance routines. Simple Simon's (Richard Lloyd's) take on Bob the Builder was inspired. Supported by a team of younger mates, he had the audience in his hands. Certainly my favourite, but there again my three-year-old is nuts about Bob.

But that's panto - keep the little children happy and you keep the big children happy.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from January 25 to February 2. Tickets are still available on (01943) 607944 and at The Barn (between the hours of 11am-1pm daily) on (01943) 604792.