Download the new logos for the programme and poster competition

Jack and the Beanstalk

Author: Foster Johnson

Information

Date
6th December 2019
Society
Jarrow Musical Theatre Company
Venue
Jarrow Focus Theatre
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Michelle Coulson
Musical Director
Freda Carney
Choreographer
Kirsty Jeffrey

Jarrow Musical Theatre Company’s   contribution to this year’s festive period was the Noda Pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk and it proved to be a highly entertaining and happy production . What I admire about this talented group is the enthusiasm and total commitment  everyone of them give to provide a show that leaves the audience, with a warm glow and a sense of what live theatre is all about, particularly those children attending musical theatre for the first time,

The narrative of the show may be a bit dated but under the skilful direction of Michelle  Coulson the cast embraced the  genre and threw themselves into it wholeheartedly. From ensemble members, dancers and Principals alike, the stage was filled with a sea of beaming faces throughout the production. 

As for the Show itself it was played with excellent pace. The musical numbers were spot on under the guidance of Musical Director Freda Carney whilst the movement and choreography of both the young Dance Troupe and the cast under Choreographer Kirsty Jeffrey was imaginative and full of vigour. The costumes were excellent  and the staging and sets were fine and were enhanced with the quality of the lighting and sound system.

The cast of 36 were of course all important in their own right, and for the characters they all portrayed in the Show they are to be congratulated for without them there would have been no show. As for the Principal line up Frances Wood’s infectious and bubbly interpretation of Simple Simon was a delight to witness and a lovely change of character for her. Lawrence Clark was once again the epitome of the Pantomime Dame as Dame Tilly Trot and has made this role his own. Lucy McCabe and Katie Forrest played the roles of Jack and Jill respectively and had a fine chemistry between them particularly in their musical numbers.  Jillaine Reay Hindson  was again cast as the villain of the piece this time as the evil witch Grotviler. I always gauge how well such a part has been played by the level of booing these characters receive in the curtain call. Well she was well and truly booed.  Helen Richardson played the good fairy Haricot Vert and I loved her Rene Artois interpretation of the role.

Other fine supporting roles were played by Luke Carr and Hayden Taylor as the hapless Grabbit and Leggit, Danielle Roche as Lady Lotsadosh, Grayson Wood  as Giant Blunderbore  Ken Richardson as the Mayor and Denise Forrest and Darren Dyson as the two halves of Buttercup , although I don’t know which was which.

Finally a big thank you to the Front of House Team who were very welcoming and helpful.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

Other recent show reports in the North region

Funders & Partners