Jack and the Beanstalk New Theatre, Cardiff Boasting the biggest Giant and beanstalk in pantoland, this seasonal offering at the New, zipped off with a spectacular start to its 68 performances, getting a raise-the roof response from its capacity audience. Jack and the Beanstalk, presented by Paul Elliott and directed by Lisa Kent, contains something for everyone - lots of comedy, songs, dances, attractive costumes, colourful scenery, an hilarious Cow, a super spacecraft flight, and the eye-catching Gladiator Scorpio as the Cosmic Fairy, in a daring trapeze act over the heads of the audience. As Jack, Su Pollard displays all the abounding energy and brash attack for which she is renowned. Mike Doyle as Silly Billy and Don Maclean as Dame Trot handle the comedy with effortless assurance, while the Fleshcreep of Dave Griffin is as nasty a boo-worthy henchman as any Giant could rightfully expect. Local Welsh favourite Frank Hennessy portrays the jovial King, Cheryl Taylor is the pretty Princess, and Trevor Ritchie the Lord Chamberlain. For the very young, there are Zippy, George and Bungle from the original Rainbow as the King's Jesters. The appealing Babes well represent the Olive Guppy School of Dance. Musical director is John Evans. Jon Holliday The Stage December 1996