Jack and the Beanstalk

Pantomime is a time to involve the audience in the action and that most certainly was the case in this NODA pantomime directed by Maggie Bishton.  The production was jammed packed with all the usual pantomime routines such as ‘Behind you’, the ghost running off having seen the dame, cream pies, responding to the dame with ‘Open the Box’, sweet throwing and a whole host of songs. 

With a large cast it is not always possible to mention everyone. However, Paul Robinson as Dame Trott delivered a strong performance and had a good rapport with the audience. The west country accent was different, but I liked him (her). The adlib when characters did not enter stage on time was well handled while at the same time not trying to convince anyone it was not going as scripted.

Jarrad Heath as our hero ‘Jack’ gave a strong performance along side Holly Lovell as ‘Jill’ who sang ‘Think of Me’ well to the appreciation of the audience. Proving that three is often a crowd was likeable Simon played by Sarah Townsend.

There to save the day as always was the Fairy – Fairy Harricot Vert played by Emily Gilday. A French speaking fairy who gave a lovely rendition of Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en rose”.

The baddie – Grotviler played by Harrison Daley gave a powerful performance. As baddies always do in pantoland, speaking in rhyme.   

The two, rather strong Backcountry speaking, hench men Grabitt and Leggit played by Emily Davis and Sheridan Dorgan did their best to collect the rent owing to the Mayor nicely played by Keelan Pavitt.  Not forgetting the rather posh Lady Lotsadosh regally played by Maggie Baron Stone.

The costumes were good, and I particularly liked the cow (Natalie Kemp and Jen Onley) and the giant (Richard Hackett) outfits. Due to the small stage the sets were minimal however the beanstalk scene with the lift was effective.

The director had two teams for some of the roles as well as two teams of chorus. Therefore, although into the second week of the run, for ‘Team Giant’ members this was their opening night.  Some members of the chorus were very young however they knew the moves to all the musical numbers and gave loads of energy – well done. The choreography for such a limited space was good and worked well.

The first act was rather long at almost two hours and maybe one or two songs too many but I understand why the director wanted to give people the opportunities to have a song (or two!!)

Following the show, I was pleased to spend a few moments with the cast. So many people. I was amazed then, and remain so now, how Maggie Bishton and the rest of the production team managed to fit all those people on a small stage and down stage acting area.

Thank you to all at Jigsaw Players Theatre Company for an enjoyable performance. Clearly many hours of work had gone into bringing the show to the stage. All those hours paid off.

I look forward to two shows in 2018. Firstly, the youth group performing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Guys and Dolls.

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