Jack and the Beanstalk

Debbie certainly brought out the best from the players in this very well written Bradford and Webster script.  Jammed full of comedy one liners and gags, with large doses of audience participation, this was an excellent traditional panto. There were plenty of modern songs, all performed well and enthusiastically by the well-coached company, with ages that ranged down to the very young. 

 

Good performances from Lucy Gazzard as Jack, a principal boy in every sense, while Emily Mughal partnered her charmingly as Jill, from the Castle on the Hill - their singing was delightful.

 

Plenty of comedy characters all played their parts effectively,  extracting the fun to the full.  Phil Makinson made a good dame, supported most ably by a stand-out Rob Simpson as Simple Simon.    Fine teamwork from Sam Billington and Aran Cadney  as  Grabbit and Leggit,  enhanced the show.

 

Stealing the show for me,  the two fairy characters.  Lindsey Greasley,  with a marvellously well maintained French accent as Fairy Haricot Vert,  gave an outstanding performance,  and was equally matched by Julie Black as Grotveiler,  the wicked servant of the Giant,  gaining the audience`s boos with ease, both most effective.

 

A splendid cameo from Kerry Ann Roe as the upper class Lady Lotsadosh completed a good principal line-up, not forgetting the funny antics of Buttercup the Cow.

 

Great credit to the costume and set design teams, their efforts certainty added to the whole panto, along with a punchy four piece band who joined in with the fun.  This was good family entertainment.

 

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