Jack and the Beanstalk at Gala Theatre in Durham (Image: PR)

A sparky new version of Jack and the Beanstalk kicks off panto season early at Gala Theatre in Durham and it certainly sets the mood for the festive season ahead. From the off, this fun take on the popular tale had a packed Saturday night audience on board and it to be proved quite some ride.

The theatre 's panto, written again by Gary Kitching, brings back familiar face Jude Nelson who this time plays a very muddled Muddles with big ambitions to be a fairy godmother. And those efforts to perform some magic have the audience willing Muddles on as the story gathers pace.

Kieron Michael plays a lazy Jack who is soon my favourite character. We find him in hilarious confusion whenever he is startled awake after nodding off - w

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