THE Berry Theatre’s production of Jack brings the age-old story to life on the stage this Christmas, complete with a giant beanstalk.

Award-winning writer Mike Kenny brings a modern twist to this story. Before the curtain is even up, the actors begin by walking around the auditorium and talking to the children, engaging them and getting them excited.

In the first scene we meet the grumpy giant, his long-suffering wife and Jack, who is imminently due to be the giant’s dinner.

As the scenes switch between the giant’s house and Jack’s home, Jack switches from a miniature puppet to actor Iain Ridley – a great way to get the change in scale, and my five-yearold daughter understood it completely.

We find out how Jack has arrived on the giant’s table from puppet Jack as he tells his story to the enrapt giant, stalling him while Jack tries to figure a way to escape his fate.

The imaginative use of puppetry and storytelling is a wonderful way to fuel youngsters’ imagination, and a really engaging way to weave the tale.

As the beanstalk grows, it spectacularly winds around and through the theatre. The three actors bring the audience into the story with a fantastic chase scene in the second half, which runs around the entire theatre.

During the story Jack comes to realise that he has been lazy and stupid, and not at all helpful to his mum, who does everything for him. He comes good in the end when he outwits the giant and returns home with the giant’s cherished magic chicken.

The giant also changes his ways – a more upbeat ending than the traditional tale. He realises that he has been mean to his wife Gertrude, and makes amends.

The show is full of comedy moments, and there are some lively songs for the children to join in with. It is a perfect dose of Christmas joy for families to share together.

Jack is suitable for children aged four and upwards and their grown-ups, and is on until Christmas Eve.

Tickets cost £11, and £9 for concessions. Call 023 8065 2333.

JAYNE STAMP