Jack and the Beanstalk

This was my first time at this pantomime group and it was lovely to see it well supported by such a large audience who were cleverly involved throughout the show. The script which followed the traditional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, with a twist, was well written but maybe a little wordy in places.

The backdrops were appropriate for the scenes and the use of various signs just right for the dairy. The lighting worked well; the strobe light was used appropriately for the chase scene. The props fitted into the storyline and were well managed by the cast. The levels of sounds were correct and the sound effects well timed.

The show was opened by the three Woodland Fairies beautifully dresses whose clear delivery explained what was happening in the village. These young ladies’ skills were well used during the show, they sang, danced and acted their socks off, brilliant! They then had a quick change and joined the other members of the company in the first musical number.

The chorography was well conceived and rehearsed throughout the show. There were a variety of routines which included many styles of dance all those on stage knew what was expected of them and looked like they were enjoying themselves. One of the highlights in the show was the tap-dancing horse. You certainly have a talented choreographer who uses her skills exceptionally well.

The costumes were colourful and well fitting. It was great to see that shoes had been taken into consideration something that is often missed.

We were then introduced to Sir Bub (Victoria Millard) who played the part of a fop excellently. She looked the part; her makeup was great her clothing period but dishevelled and she had beautiful jewelled shoes. She used her props effectively and kept her manner of speech up throughout and I enjoyed her delivery of ‘I want to sing in opera’ which was great.

The part of King of Lively (Roger Jacobs) was well portrayed as a little uncertain sovereign who needed a larger fortune. The interaction between him and Sir Bub was believable.

Our village hero Jack Merrywell (Cecily Reid) was outstanding. Her stage craft was brilliant and her singing and dancing exceptional. She is without doubt a talented lady who led the scenes she was involved in but interacted well with all the others members of the cast.

We then meet Jack’s mum Dame Dollop (Karen Smith) a larger than life character who played the part with aplomb. She interacted well with both those on the stage and the audience; although sometimes a little quiet when singing; and they certainly enjoyed all the tomfoolery. Her costumes were exceptional even down to the change of boots, and numerous. I especially liked the spacesuit, well done to your costume team.

Dame Dollop introduced us to Prudence (Pat Hope). I must admit I have never seen an upright cow before but what a brilliant job she did. She looked the part and made good use of any words that began with ‘moo’. You totally believed in her and she portrayed her emotions especially when she was sold. Congratulations.

Her stroppy dairy maid Melanie (Clara-Rose Reid) who was continually on her phone character was well delivered. She kept the attitude up throughout the show even when she was kidnapped by the giant and had to serve him. She had good stage presence and sang and dance with skill. Well done.

The comedy duo Osbert (David Manning) and Egbert (Debbie Blackburn) were baddies supposedly carrying out the requests the monarch and chamberlain. Although Osbert appeared to follow the demands, Egbert always found an excuse. They had some terrible jokes which were on the whole delivered with conviction although sometimes you lost of few of Osbert’s lines, try to remember to face towards the audience. A good partnership.

The old lady (Margaret Dawes) who convinced Jack to part with Prudence for a few magic beans spoke with good clear expression.

Lastly Giant Gloat (Andy Pirie) looked very impressive lit with a green wash looking down from the top of the covered area stage left. He had a powerful voice which aided his portrayal and even when he was in his castle, he was impressive. He delivered his lines clearly, but it may be a good idea to take account of the audience reaction which he received, before speaking.

The chorus were brilliant they had obviously been well instructed by the director and always reacted to the action which was happening on stage. They moved and sang well. Well done.

You may be a small company but the pantomime you created was of a high standard. Congratulations to the whole team.

 

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