Jack and the Beanstalk

 

Postponed from February to May and a change of venue, with Connaught Hall Attleborough still a vaccine centre, Covid proved somewhat of a challenge but Spooner Row village hall turned out to be ideal for staging this Jack and the Beanstalk with great energy and a lot of laughs, and good audiences. And all so pleased to see the return to stage.

The forces of good and evil really powerful performances and taking the heights as the pantomime opened: Poison Ivy from Vicky Aukett and Fairy Beansprout from Kayleigh Poacher were outstanding in dominating the stage with the personalities and vocals and amazing appearances (congratulations to costumes). This set the bar high for the performance.

An experienced Dame Trott from Tony Dosdale looked the part, had the timing and the relationships with family and village life, and drove the story into familiar paths. Son Jack, Sophie Garrod, in first principal boy role had personality and cheek, strong vocals and ideas. And 18 year old Nathan Talbot as Dozy Den is definitely worth watching for as his energy, personality, timing and interrelationships and comedy a real talent. (he should apply to summer school)

The aristocracy as King Simon Clarke had good stage presence and personality but was overshadowed by his Prime Minister Martin Talbot in Boris wig and personality traits with comedy touches, a good duo. And Princess Rose from Simone Holden had nice voice which blended well with our hero Jack.

The traditional story includes Buttercup the cow (very black and white spotted), a Giant in his kitchen, a Housekeeper (Jessica Sculfor), and a large Spider in traditional scary number, plus add in a messy cake making which required the Dyson to clear, and a very noisy song sheet to finish.  All ingredients of a successful pantomime.

I must congratulate the Company for the very high standard of singing and projection plus the energetic movement, good.

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