Jack and the Beanstalk

Garstang Theatre Group's pantomime offering this year was the well trodden Beanstalk, and Jack. So, how did Jack fare against the Giant, the Squire and other members of this oft told tale?

The role of Jack Bitsnbobs was played by Connie Stewart, played as a not too bright protagonist, Connie played the role well.

His Mother, Betty Bitsnbobs, played by Dermot O'Reilly, was as over the top as they could be, trying to get a rather non-participant audience to participate (I’ll come to that later).

Julie Guiver played Jack’s brother, Silly Simon. This was very different to the “Village Idiot” roles I’d seen in the past, as this time, Simon was actually a genius who had thought of things before they were invented-people just thought him to be stupid as the things were so far fetched (mobile phones, chainsaws etc.).  Julie delivered the lines in a very matter of fact way, which, having read the script since, is exactly the way they’re written - well done.

Jack’s love interest, Jill (the Squire’s daughter) was played by Roisin McCann, sharing some tender moments with Jack, and showing off a lovely voice. Some of the scenes in the Giant’s castle were my favourites in the show.

Fran Worthington took on the role of Squire Root - whilst you could tell he relished the role, he could have been a tad nastier in my book.

Whilst we never actually saw the Giant, the booming voice of Paul McCann was flawless - perfectly delivered with excellent diction, as was the role of the Giant’s wife Debbie McCann, with some nice dialogue between them.

The roles of the Fairy, On Guard and Right Guard, undertaken by Marianne Chapman-Fox, Bronte Pinder and Emelia Alexander were well performed, as was  the Golden Harp, played by Lucy Metcalf Stewart who sang well and added to the scene.

Bringing up the rear (though I don’t know who was which end), was everyone’s favourite character in Jack and the Beanstalk, Daisy the Cow, played by Ethan Lees and Derek Longstaff.

There were plenty of bouncy numbers for the chorus to sing and dance along with and they did so with gusto.

As I mentioned before, the audience participation (on the night I saw it) was at times a tad laboured - though I think this could be down to a culmination of things out of the performers hands. The distance between the front row and stage could have been a factor, the writing itself and the fact that people were still in the mindset we have all been so used to for twenty months.

Staging, lighting and sound were all complimentary to the piece

Choreographers were Marianne Chapman-Fox and Janine Worthington, who should be rightfully pleased with what they’d achieved with the show.

Musical Directors and Directors, Chris and Lucy Metcalf Stewart should also be pleased with what they’d achieved - great song choices and musicianship.

The one thing we as an audience will never know, is how difficult it must have been to put any kind of production together in the last two years, how rehearsals have been managed, or how many have been able to attend each rehearsal. The fact that any group has managed to put a production on is testament to their hard work and dedication.

Thank you Garstang Theatre Group, for your invite and hospitality.

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