Jack and the Beanstalk

With great anticipation we arrived - there was quite a buzz of anticipation, as there always is and the auditorium looked wonderfully full. The music started, the tabs were drawn back and we were greeted by an enthusiastic, happy and well choreographed cast who were obviously "up for it" (well done Louise and Faye, the directorial team).

A simple stage with good use of props and a backdrop which used projection meant that there were no heavy scene changes, the backdrop designed by the cast themselves. Good lighting and sound: Ben Lucas (sound) with Matt Duggen and Craig Cotton (lighting design and programming) enhanced the whole show and the diction was very good. Words were easily heard and delivered by the cast with great aplomb. The principal performances were of a very high standard with Ben Smart as Simple Simon, Lewis Philpott as Dame Dotty Dimple (from Windy Bottom!) and Lizzie Diaper as Princess Charlotte, ably backed up by a great cross section of cast in usual panto roles (although Oliver Mitchell and Katie Wilson as the king and queen worked very well together and bounced off each other very well). I also have to mention Emily-Rose Mould in an inflatable one woman cow suit, her facial expressions, brilliant.

The whole ensemble are to be congratulated on their performances. I thoroughly enjoyed the show well done to everyone and everybody involved. In an area where the standard of productions are of a very high quality you have done PAC proud.

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