Jack and the Beanstalk

From the beginning to the end, and all bits inbetween, this show had all laughing and clapping as the the North Ormesby Minstrels performed their annual pantomime, this year being Jack and the Beanstalk.  As expected the show had all panto components with evil ones, good ones, daft ones, a fairy, a chase scene, animated action song, ghost behind them scene, audience song competition, audience participations and plenty of corny jokes, then add to that the huge talents of a cast with powerful principals, colourful costumed chorus, and a super static set with growing beanstalk then the evening was a joy to behold. 

Wicked witch “Piccalilli” played by Gita Bhanvra opened the show with a forceful voice, great cackle, and sinister character, who was met by “Fairy Sugardust” with her rhyming lines and nicely nature from Laura Allan to introduce the story.  “Jack” (Melissa Brant-Smith) had great personality and a lovely singing voice, brother to “Simple Simon” the daft one, performed so well by Marty Maenami who had great interation with the audience and enormous energy throughout. Their mother “Dame Dotty Dimple” was played by Jill Stephenson, who has such great interation with audiences and had them laughing all night with such a raport, and who is obviously adored by her audence and who performed with such spirit and wonderful Dame costumes and stunning eyelashes! Well done Jill. “Princess Charlotte” from Melissa O’Neil was a lovely performance, daughter to the soppy “King Crumble”, a lovely character from Keith Lewis, who along with Dame Dotty and Simple Simon performed the 12 days of Christmas action song that brought the house down – great comedy and energy. Comedy Duo “Snatchet” and “Scarper” (Tom Milton and George Maenami respectively) had such fabulous characterisation, dancing and singing as the broker’s men collecting taxes, worked so well together. Andrew Buchanan as the Giant “Buster Gut-Bucket”, played it well with stature and booming voice whle Jeff Sturdy as Witch’s aid “Rancid the Ratman”, and Colin Conroy as “Humphrey” the King’s aid played the supporting cameo roles nicely.  The 13 chorus ladies and 5 children joined with the principals to give full company numbers that were well rehearsed, and sharp and clever choreography, lovely singing voices and bright joyful colours in their many costumes. 

Staging included colourful and focused lighting effects, flashing pyrotechnics, smoke scenes, a good varied song list, a fabulous full height growing detailed beanstalk and the cutest dancing bugs in their ladybird costumes. Jokes were current, corny and delivered well, ad-libs added, and the audience interaction appreciated by all, giving a show of usual high qualirty from this gifted group.  Thank you NOM for a thoroughly enjoyable evening and well done to all involved, on stage, back stage, technical and supporting hospitality.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.