It's the old Chaplin at his best, looking at his best--young, pathetic and a very funny guy. He remains the world's No. 1 pantomimist, and the greatest panto artist since the Frenchman Severin.

The traditional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk is being staged by Essex-based Chaplins Pantos. A spokesman for Chaplins said they usually include references to Christmas in their shows but were ...