Panto report! Jack and the Beanstalk - The Customs House

Our latest trip this panto season was to The Customs House, South Shields, to see Jack and the Beanstalk, where we had a whale of a time! Pantos at The Customs House are always a treat, and this year’s is no exception. Despite having a small speaking cast of just 7 (supported by some fabulous young dancers), this is a big production, with fantastic sets, dazzling costumes, and great set piece routines. The cast are wonderful across the board, but special mention has to go to: the inimitable Ray Spencer MBE as Dame Trott, a true master of the art of panto dame, whose interactions with the audience are hilarious; and David John Hopper as Dame Trott’s silly son Arbuthnot, who throws himself (sometimes literally!) into a very demanding role. We especially enjoyed the marvellously messy ice cream machine scene, and the madcap dance to the Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen song, all done in Pokémon costumes (don’t ask!). The show is running until 7th January, so there’s still plenty of time to get tickets – we highly recommend it for a great family night out!