JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Stagedoor’s production of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT WALMSLEY PARISH HALL certainly got the audience going and it definitely feels like Christmas now!. . . Colourful and full of energy,

Chris Anderton had not only directed the pantomime he had also written it: lots of “Oh no he isn’t!” and innuendoes - that winning formula for any pantomime.

The chorus were 40 plus strong - the youngest being 4 for added cute factor – were put through their paces by Teresa Harper, who also played Mother Nature. I was not sure about the reading from the story book as I felt it lost some connection with the audience, but Teresa soon got into the part and helped move the story along with elegance plus a beautiful singing voice.

Graham Cohen playing Jack had an instant connection with the audience and a flavour of Bobby Ball to his character I thought. An all-round performance: he worked so well with Philip Morris playing Dotty Dumpling - a great double act in tune with each other, making the most of all the innuendoes and jokes; loved the interaction with Wednesday the Signer! Philip made me think of another character - Les Dawson! He also had some 20 costume changes complete with wig or head dress, one at break neck speed!

The costumes were a delight and Deb Lyons, Pauline Crow and Wallace Wareham must have been sewing forever to produce that amount of costumes for all the characters and the colour themed finale.

The set design and props by Dennis Boulderstone, Charlotte Parmar, Andrew Parmar and Ben Stanier complimented each scene and I loved the clouds and glitter flats for the giant’s castle - It looked very magical. They also designed and made the giant which was enormous and inside on stilts was Ben Stanier, who entered to audible gasps.

This panto had the feelgood factor and the proceeds go to Share a Dream which helps children suffering from life threatening illnesses. A lot of work always goes into any panto with hours of work from cast and crew, but it was evident how much had gone into this show.

Thank you for making my guest and I feel welcome but not for being sprayed with water by the Fleshcreep. LOL!

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.