After the Beanstalk

Driffield Musical Theatre never fail to provide a truly different theatre experience to others. While most societies look at the old classic of pantomime such as Dick Whitington and Cinderella, Driffield Musical Theatre spin the whole thing round and ask you what happens next? After the Beanstalk is a clever adaptation of the traditional Jack in the Beanstalk tale and follows Jack further into his story and looks at his life ‘After the Beanstalk’.

Although this society is a small group what it lacks in numbers it certainly makes up for in energy, entertainment and true heart felt laughter. Their venue is modest and intimate but for a cast of eight it is perfect for what they need. The stage was used well set with a a main painted back drop used and set piece and curtains moved round to create the different required scenes to great effect. They even made excellent use of the floor space in front of the stage and used their space to the maximum.

The opening number was great and a nice introduction to the story that was a bout to be tod with people’s characters just starting to bubble up and sewing the seeds of what was left to come. Chloe Ellis played the changed man Jack and showed that maybe the phrase once a hero always a hero maybe isn’t that accurate. Chloe showed a great ability at switching this character from its stereotypical role. Jenny Townsend portrayed the formidable Giants wife seeking her revenge. She certainly played this role well and showed her dastardly side while trying to recover her Lucy Goosy that laid the golden eggs. Ray Jones was hilarious as Lucy Goosy and had the audience giggling with glee at his comedic take on this part. His mannerisms were exquisite, and he really knew how to engage the audience. Linda Wilson not only directed this show but also played many small roles within the show to allow others to shine. She approached each part with gusto and showed that she can play a variety of parts. Her performance as the gander was hilarious and couldn’t help but giggle at her well-timed squawks. The comedy value was really brought to this show by not just one actor but four. Dyan Dee playing Rose and Charli Willis playing Daisy worked so well together and their characterisations and timing was sublime and really made the comic side of the show shine. This was in combination with Lee Wilson as Bill and Paul Thompson as Ben. What a riot! These two but everything they could into the show to make people laugh, they are true comedians. These two work so well together that they should always do these sorts of roles together. I think the cast would be with me in saying a massive round of applause to Gemma Walker who started of the first show as prompt and due to an unforeseen accident mid show saw her step into the role of Petunia, which she carried on through all performances. Although Gemma had a script on stage with her due to the above-mentioned unforeseen series of events, very rarely used it and fit in so well with the cast you would have thought she had been rehearsing this part for ages.

You can tell that everyone working on this show had a blast and the true craziness that the cast brought to story just gave it its pantomime vibe. It is very apparent that everyone involved loved putting this show together and performing in it. This society always pushes through difficulties to put together a different experience and what they put together certainly can’t be seen anywhere else. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to see what’s next on your journey

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.