The festive season in Aldershot is once again being defined by the roar of laughter and applause echoing from the Prince's Hall Theatre, where the annual Christmas pantomime continues to be a major regional draw. This year's production of the classic tale Jack and the Beanstalk marks a significant milestone: it is the 31st show staged by the resident Robert Hopkins Company, proving their enduring recipe for success is no accident.
A Legacy of Pantomime Magic
With an annual attendance pushing 20,000, the Prince's Hall pantomime has become a cornerstone of local Christmas tradition. The secret to its three-decade reign lies in a company that deeply understands its audience. Under the direction of Lisa Hopkins and with choreography by Dee West, the production masters the hidden alchemy of panto: a perfect blend of warmth, instinctive audience rapport, boundless energy, and razor-sharp comic timing. The result is a show where the audience feels like part of the cast, contributing to a uniquely communal and boisterous experience.
A Cast That Commands the Stage
The production is led by the formidable Donovan Christian-Carey as Dame Trott, whose entrance was met with unusually loud cheers, instantly setting a euphoric tone for the evening. Adorned in fantastical wigs and garish dresses, Christian-Carey is brilliantly supported by an irrepressible Alex Zane as Jack. Zane's Jack frequently has to remind Jill, played by Naomi Cowe, just whose story they are in, creating an amusing romantic sub-plot.
The familiar story unfolds in the village of Little Bottom, where hard times force Dame Trott to sell the beloved cow Daisy. The threat comes from the giant Blundabore in Cloudland, who demands his rent. The gullible Jack's trade of Daisy for five magic beans propels the adventure forward, much to the delight of a couple of hundred young voices in the audience.
Music, Mayhem, and a Triumphant Finale
The narrative is propelled by a soundtrack mixing classic tunes like 'I'll Be There For You' and 'I Am What I Am' for the older generations with current pop covers, including a couple for the 'Swifties'. Dance routines to tracks like 'Soda Pop' from the Saja Boys kept the energy high, while traditional chaotic set-pieces like the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' and a Ghosty Bench routine featuring a werewolf ensured non-stop laughter.
The final curtain was met with a roaring approval from the audience, a testament to a production that successfully honours tradition while feeling fresh and full of surprise. The Robert Hopkins Company's residency at the Prince's Hall Theatre continues until Sunday, 4th January 2026.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Prince’s Hall Theatre, Princes Way, Aldershot, GU11 1NX
Until 4 January 2026
Tickets and information can be found on the venue's official website.
