Jack and Jill and the Beanstalk

The Waterbeach Theatre Company’s matinee performance of Jack and Jill and the Beanstalk offered audiences a pantomime mashup, entwining the classic tales of “Jack and Jill” with “Jack and the Beanstalk”. From the moment the curtain rose on this matinee performance, the auditorium was awash with excitement, the young audience’s eager anticipation setting the scene for an afternoon of traditional panto fun, complete with “Boos” and the rustle of sweet wrappers from the sugar primed younger audience.

The show launched with an ensemble performance of ‘Wake Up Boo’, showcasing a kaleidoscope of nursery rhyme characters. Their synchronised singing and simple yet effective choreography established a solid start to the show. While the chorus numbers brimmed with enthusiasm and togetherness, I couldn’t hear any vocal harmonies which would have provided greater depth, and at times the dancing lacked flourish. Nevertheless, the cast did well to keep up the energy which is often hard with a young matinee crowd.

Penny Grewcock Clay (Jack) and Chloe Wills-Eve (Jill) both rallied the audience at just the right moments. While the script hinted at Jack as the archetypal panto klutz, this aspect could have been pushed further for greater comic effect. In contrast, Chloe’s portrayal of Jill radiated the cheer and resolve of the show’s heroine, bringing a convincing and engaging character to the stage.

David Morris, as Dame Eliza Bucket, proved a hit with the crowd, encouraging audience participation and setting the tone for interactive panto chaos. However, the inclusion of the “Money” backing track from Cabaret felt somewhat out of place alongside the otherwise sung musical numbers, and the lip-syncing missed the mark on this occasion.

The pantomime’s mischief-makers—Tina Seeley as the Goblin Chief, ably supported by India Bolton-Luckie and Zoe Naylor as her goblin sidekicks—delivered spirited performances, relishing their villainous roles. The young goblins, in particular, delighted in weaving through the audience during a lively “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two”. While the Goblin Chief’s sinister tones added menace, the voice was often lost beneath the mask.

Supporting characters Goldie (Katherine Maltby), Tweedle (Vicki Hingley) and Henry Spade (Chas Barclay) all added to the storyline, keeping the pace brisk in their respective roles.

A true scene-stealer, however, was Jade Bushell as the French Chef in the Giant’s castle. Her monologue, peppered with TikTok references, brought a contemporary edge and proved a highlight of the afternoon.

Special mention must also go to Leo McDonald and Oscar Clay as Daisy the cow. Though wordless, their physical comedy and characterisation brought Daisy to life with delightful humour—especially impressive considering the endurance required for such a role.

Technically, the show had several nice touches. The growth of the beanstalk at the end of Act One was particularly effective, and the Act Two opening sequence—nursery rhymes in cardboard cut-outs under UV lighting, with Jack, Jill, and Goldie climbing the Beanstalk—was imaginative and visually striking. Applause is due to the creative team for this inspired touch.

All told, Jack and Jill and the Beanstalk provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience for its audience. Congratulations to the director David Moat, musical director Penny Grewcock Clay, choreographer Michelle Smith, and the entire cast and crew for delivering this pantomime.

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