Missing your panto fix? Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan made one earlier, just for you - Liam Rudden

So who would be brave enough to attempt to harness all the feel-good energy and audience interaction of a full scale panto and put in on screen? In Jack and the Beanstalk, a socially distanced panto, Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan dares. Actually, he does more than dare, he grabs the concept with both hands and runs with it to create a gloriously uplifting hybrid that charms, amuses and amazes and will leave you reaching to click the 'play again' button.

That it’s a five star production and just the lift we all need right now should come as no surprise really. An accomplished panto writer and director, what Duncan doesn't know about the art form probably isn't worth knowing. As anyone who saw the hit Fringe show, The Dame, when it premiered at The Dome a few years back will also know, when it comes to donning a frock and working an audience, Duncan is finely schooled in the comedy of cross-dressing, as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk he's firing on all cylinders demonstrating a infectious energy that drives the action and keeps everyone on their toes.

The project began this summer when Duncan realised the pandemic would deprive audiences of their magical festive escape, while robbing actors, dancers and creatives of their livelihoods. Like his titular character, Duncan had to be nimble and quick, swapping stage for his back garden (and that of his neighbours) and the roar of the crowd for a socially distanced film crew.

It's hard to believe, though, that he could have imagined how the project would grow (giant) arms and legs. The original idea was to film it on an iPhone, this weekend it opens in 55 cinemas and is available to watch online in the comfort of your own home.

Set in the town of Lockdown, this Jack and the Beanstalk is a panto for our times, a planet-saving affair packed with topical references, groan-inducing gags, catchy songs and the odd knowing barb. Giant Blunderbore is in a rage, ready to eat any villager who upsets him. Poor Dame Trott, meanwhile, is behind on her rent and must sell her precious cow, Buttercup, to keep the Squire at bay. But her daft son Jack sells Buttercup for a worthless bag of beans, having been diddled by the Fleshcreepy, the giant's evil chef.

When Jill, the Squire’s daughter is kidnapped by Fleshcreepy and spirited to the castle in the clouds, Jack must climb the beanstalk, accompanied by his mother Dame Trott, and rescue his love while saving the world from the ever hungry ogre. Only the magical Garden Fairy can help him succeed.

Brought to life by a talented ensemble, all the best loved panto shout outs are delivered with a wink and a smile along with the obligatory slosh and slapstick routines that are frequently laugh out loud funny. Nicola Blackman imbues the Garden Fairy with a wonderfully assuring presence and is sure to comfort younger viewers whenever Jos Vantyler's fantastically evil and silly Fleshcreepy is around. Ian Talbot, who also directs with a deft touch, is both grumpy and adorable as the dotty the Squire. Sarah Moss is a feisty, funny Jill who boasts a facial expression for every eventuality. Sam Ebenezer makes a dashing if dim Jack, who never the less battles bravely to save the day.

A triumph for all concerned and a must see for all the family, just remember, once the closing titles roll on this Jack and the Beanstalk, it's not behind, you can watch it online as many times as you like until January 10. Oh, yes you can!

Jack and the Beanstalk, Panto Online, until January 10, 2021, from £25, at www.pantoonlne.co.uk

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