JACK AND HIS GIANT STALK!!!

What a riot of fun, with a well-written script, plenty of naughtiness and audience participation, which gave the audience a really good evening’s entertainment.

I liked the script from Tom Whalley, who I understand is cognisant of the need to localise and personalise scripts, and makes allowance for adaptations – thus making the script workable for a Society, and which Griffin Players made full use of.

I liked the music used, and thought the MD had chosen well, he got the cast singing nicely, with some lovely harmonies – I do like live backing for a panto, it allows for so much more freedom for the actors.

Lighting and sound were excellent, with some very imaginative lighting effects.

Scene changes were all effected well, and Stage Manager, Lynda Fagan, added much to the proceedings with her appearance and wry comments.  This on-stage use of the SM is a feature of Griffins panto and always adds much to the show.

Choreography was fairly simple, but took into account the varying abilities of the cast.

I would have liked a little more thought to have gone into the costumes – some were really good, e.g. Jill, the Dame, and the Fairy, but others were a little humdrum and needed more colour, as I felt this detracted from the overall look of the production.  The ‘look’ is just as important as the other aspects.

Nico Bamford gave his usual enthusiasm and confidence to the role of Jack, he had a good rapport with the audience, and I enjoyed what he did with the part, and his relationships with Jill and the Dame.  Nicely achieved.

Allanah Rogers as Princess Jill looked charming, and sang beautifully, a really good foil to the other more whacky characters, whilst delivering some very succinct lines.  Really well done.

Ben Jaggers shone as Dame Trott, a great traditional Dame, with the added naughtiness of an adult script, extremely well played, and plenty of interaction with the audience. 

Chloe Whitney was a fun Fairy Flickbean, she looked graceful and shiny, but also delivered on questionable one liners!  Nice to see a fun Fairy!

Joshua Thompson created a slimy Fleshlight, with his usual aplomb and understanding of delivering his lines with the utmost effect.  We enjoyed booing him!  An accomplished performer.

Katy Elliott reprised her role of Lurch, which was loved by the audience.  Katy got a great reception, which was well-deserved, and I thoroughly enjoyed her ‘song’.  Such a great character which Katy gets the most out of.

Hilda Tavorlara was a surprising Blunderbore – but a good evil persona, and someone to boo, which is always a plus.

Abbie Walsh and Luke Walsh played Fist the Cow, and were also part of the general ensemble, along with Nathan Marshall and Michelle Garufi, plus other characters who joined in as and when.  The group got into the real spirit of the pantomime, and added much to the proceedings.

Overall an extremely good evening’s entertainment, with loads of laughs from a very good script, delivered with energy and confidence.  I was impressed with Darina McMorrow’s first foray into directing, she stayed true to The Griffin Players ethos, whilst allowing the actors some leeway to bring their own personalities into play.  Thank you Darina for making us welcome, good to meet you.

Nova Horley

NODA Representative - NODA East District 3

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