Jack and the Beanstalk

This version opened and closed in the local setting of Pershore Town Square and in between incorporated several local references which added effectively to the storyline. As Giant Blunderbore seeks to increase taxes, rents have to rise and Dame Trott and her family are the first to be affected. The King’s daughter Jill is captured and offers Jack a rent-free life for her rescue from Cloudland, the home of the Giant.

PODS’ ‘Jack’ was well played by Oliver Roberts, bringing a smile that would charm any King’s daughter and his musical numbers including ‘Wrapped up’ with ‘Jill’, ‘Corner of the Sky’ and particularly ‘Right here waiting’ were sang with power and feeling. ‘Princess Jill’ played by Louise Bent sang and moved well whilst adding that all-important splash of sweetness and colour.

Jack’s brother, ‘Simple Simon’ played by Matt Owen was a delightful foil adding his own simple humor with fun, whilst ‘Dame Trott’ played by Rob Brown performed with great style and energy, delivering his dialogue at pace, which kept the action moving. David Hemming as the ‘King of Pershore’ added his own brand of bumbling humour to great effect.

No panto would be complete without a ‘Fairy Cupcake’ who was played with great sweetness by Susan Perry, in opposition of course to the devilish ‘Desdemona’ played by Rachel Kent, who sang ‘I’m only human’ well. Forced to sell ‘Daisy the Cow’ (Amberley Connor and Julie Smout) in exchange for ‘Fairy Cupcake’s’ magic beans, from which a beanstalk to Cloudland grows where the Princess is being held, Jack finally outwits ‘Desdemona and the ‘Giant’ (resonant tones provided by James Megarry).

Throughout, the chorus and dancers worked well, backed by a well-controlled orchestra under the tight direction of Andrew Hemming with ‘The Climb’ which closed Act 1 being a particular highlight. The set was well used, the sound was well balanced and the lighting was very effective in supporting the director (Paul Turvey) and producer (Lindsey Kirby), all enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience.

Bruce Wyatt 

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