Jack And The Beanstalk is a classic of the English fairy-tale. Its exact origins are somewhat lost in the depths of time, but it's one of those stories you can't help but have come across in your childhood. A popular story for pantomimes across the land, it tells the tale of Jack's adventures in the realm of a giant, following the sale of Milky-White the cow for some magic beans. This delightful interpretation by the Norwich Puppet Theatre lets the story unfold in a child's room. There are no complicated puppets with rods and strings – but a collection of well-loved children's toys that come to life thanks to the masterful puppetry and story-telling skills of Luis Boy. From the moment the show begins, the young audience and adults are spellbound, hanging on to every subtle movement from the toys, narration from Boy and a musical accompaniment from clarinettist Lionel Black. Jack is a jointed wooden doll who doesn't like getting out of bed in the mornings! He snores so loudly the walls of the house rattle! Milky-White the cow trundles around on her wheels and takes delight at squirting the audience with her milk.  | | Luis Boy with the cast of Jack |
As the story unfolds we're transported up an origami beanstalk to the land of the giant and enter his castle to find a music-box harp and a mechanical hen who lays golden eggs – sporting three forks as her tail feathers. This is children's theatre as its most simple and accessible, whilst on an adult level it offers a deep insight into how children play with treasured objects and create magical worlds through make-believe. The story is well told, the toys and props are beautiful and the show has a certain softness to it throughout – helped through sympathetic lighting design. The Norwich Puppet Theatre is one of only two dedicated puppet theatres in England and it's on our doorstep. If you've never taken the younger members of the family to a performance, don't miss this delightful opportunity. Aimed for the 3 to 8-year-olds, at around 35 minutes running time, this show is an ideal introduction to puppetry and the wider theatrical experience - which they might just continue to enjoy in later life. Jack And The Beanstalk runs until Monday 3 January, 2005. For performance times and details of other shows call the box office on 01603 629921.
| 
