Jack and the Beanstalk

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon - Watching C.A.T.S annual pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk! This was a traditional pantomime in every way with lots of great family entertainment.

Craig Machar’s direction was faultless. The three-piece band under the musical direction of Barbara Hockey was excellent as were the music choices for the show. The choreography from Marcia Mitchell was energetic and exciting. The junior choreography from Jack Jenkins perfectly showcased the talents of the junior dancers.

The casting was excellent and all the actors played their roles perfectly. Craig Douglas as Simple Simon had the audience in fits of laughter even before the show started and he sustained his character throughout the performance. Heidi Coleman had great poise and charm in the title role of Jack. Bianca Harker was a beautiful Princess Charlotte. Adrian West-Tooms was outrageously funny as Dame Dotty Dimple. Carl Turner-Fountain and Sian Evans were perfectly regal as King Crumble and Queen Apricot. Rachel Munns was an excellent Fairy Sugardust and had the audience cheering at every entrance she made. In stark contrast there was Piccalilli the Witch who was magnificently played by Janet Askew and this was a performance that I enjoyed very much. Daniel Fortune was excellent in the role of Rancid the Rat Catcher. I loved the comedy duo Snatchet and Scarper who were played by Phil Mills and Kev Aitken. Great performances too came from Oli Hackett as Humphrey and Ashley Malcolmson as Giant Bust a Gut Bucket. And I must not forget the elegant Buttermilk the Cow played by Andea Drage and Caroline Young. The principal actors were ably supported by a very talented company of vocalists and dancers and the delightful junior dancers.

The set was colourful and managed well through out. The props were well- made and utilised. The costumes and make-up were all excellent. The lighting and sound quality was perfect throughout the performance.

Congratulations to everyone at C.A.T.S for this exceptional pantomime that was packed full of fantastic family entertainment!

CAROLINE JERVIS                                                                                                                                      NODA EAST MIDLANDS DISTRICT 7 REPRESENTATIVE.    

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