Jack and the Beanstalk

Theatre magic returned to the Little Theatre, Donnington this year with its traditional family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

The excited chatter from the packed auditorium set the scene for how much live pantomime had been missed and expectations were high. We didn’t have long to wait as the lights dimmed and the first note was played.

In true pantomime fashion we were greeted by good (Edena the Eco Fairy played by Jess Bracken) and evil (Slimeball, the boo worthy giants henchman played by Kay Britton).

A competent Nina Aver played Jack (the traditional principal boy) and Alice Allen played a very sweet Princess Demelza (the principal girl).

Simple Simon was a loveable character and gave us a slightly vulnerable performance, which the audience embraced, shouting out ‘Be brave Simon’ in support at every prompted opportunity.

King Bertram (Simon Whitehouse) was suitably officious and pompous and the Royal Aid (Trumpet) played by Katy Perks couldn’t have made me laugh more. I thought that her facial expressions and physicality during the scene in which she was disguised as a tree, was one of the highlights of the evening.

I am not sure that you are supposed to like the part of the Giant (Tom Milligan) but add in a great song and some dance moves and you are surely on to a winner. I felt that the giant’s entrance on to stage was just right and not too scary for the smaller children attending.

Daisy the cow (Vicki Stevens & Marie Griffiths) was full of bovine mischief especially in the milking scene and lets not forget audience member Graham enlisted to pull the ‘udder’ one on stage.

The chorus were well drilled and I was impressed with the overall effect of the simple but effective dancing. The volume of singing was at times a little quiet however this was made up by how much fun everyone was having.  It was great to see the characterisation and personalities in each of the cockroaches and it was clear that Sarge (Jo Petford) was in charge.

It must be said that Stephen Oliver-Davies as Dame Trott is the epitome of the perfect pantomime dame. There were multiple costume changes, a myriad of handbags, matching shoes, singing, dancing, slapstick, dancing and of course plenty of laughter in which Stephen made it all look effortless.

There was a relatively simple set, which worked very well and the changes were slick and made without fuss. The technical interference between microphones and lighting during act one was overcome during the interval but on the whole the sound and lighting were good.

The music was in the very capable hands of CJ Allen, direction by Maggie Stanworth, choreography by Nina Aver and Stage Management by Sarah Jane Bishop, I am sure this is a very proud production team.

It is true to say that the audience couldn’t have enjoyed themselves more and next year I would advise booking early.

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