THEY’VE struck a magic formula at the St Helens Theatre Royal over recent years by delivering pantomimes to rival any across the country.

And the giant production of Jack and the Beanstalk means the team at Regal Entertainments are continuing to hit the lofty heights, ensuring visitors head from far and wide to be entertained on this old grand stage.

If you’re looking for a couple of hours to take you away from the stresses and strains of modern life, then head down there with the kids this half term and embark on a laugh-out loud journey of frolics, giggles and silliness.

Yes, some of this is daft as a brush – as we say around here – but the bad gags, homespun humour, innuendo and toilet jokes are part of the winning recipe – which when mixed with the big numbers, top rate cast, a superb script and spectacular production – are what makes this ride through pantoland so enjoyable.

A quick word for the cast, as Jack Trott (David Heath, known for a stint on X Factor back in the day) excels alongside Princess Jill (Maddie Hope Coelho, while his Ma, Dame Dolly Trott (Mark Two) and his brother Simple Simon (Theatre favourite Lewis Devine) nail the gags and give the audience a good old belly laugh on plenty of occasions.

Narrator, Fairy Mary (Jenna Sian O’Hara) leads us along the journey with a perfect performance, while the big bad giant Blunderbore’s servant Mrs Fleshcreep (Rachael Wood, another Theatre regular) is at her villainous best.

But it’s the team effort that gives this pantomime its energy, with Reece Sibbald’s script providing the actors the material to do their stuff and Nazene Danielle’s choreography and dancers from the Dynamix Performing Arts College bringing electricity to proceedings.

The high bar of production, scenery, lighting, sound effects and costumes set by Regal over the years is maintained…and it leaves audiences wondering what fun will await when Aladdin lands in December for the Christmas panto.

But for now producers Chantelle Nolan and Jane Joseph and the team can take bow for another job well done. It’s further evidence to tell folk that if you want to see panto done well then come to St Helens.

If you want to see Jack and the Beanstalk be quick as the show is only on for the remainder of half term, concluding on Sunday, November 5.