Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk was Gargrave Pantomime Group’s choice of panto for 2023 – and what an excellent choice it was.

This panto had a great community feel to it – performed in the beautiful Gargrave Village Hall, with great set, props and costumes. Cleverly written by Richard Smith it included lots of “local” and “current” references, which had the audience in stitches.

With a cast of over 30 people, ranging from age 5 upwards, everyone performed with gusto and enthusiasm.  Everyone was well drilled in song and dance – the cast gave their “all”, and the whole audience was entertained from start to finish.

A strong cast of principle characters including Cassia Sauer as Jack Trott, Claire Preston as Princess Jill (whom he falls in love with), Paul Smith as Dame Tilly Trott, Gemma Tetley as Queen Philomena, Laura Lipscombe as Fairy Twinkle, Peter Poulter as the very evil Evil Ernest, Barnes Cooper and Poppy Tetley as the dastardly comedy duo Tik & Tok, and of course Jack and the Beanstalk wouldn’t be complete without loveable Daisy (the cow) – masterfully played by Ellie Birch & Emily Claxton.

There was great support from the James Halls as Simple Simon, Christie North as the cutest chicken (laying the hugest eggs) you ever did see, and the lovely trio Jean, Ethel and Maggie played by Sophie Fellows, Emma North and Isla Lottey.   Last but not least, Giant Grumbletum – who gave the whole audience a “gotcha” moment when he was “revealed” – well done Edward Lottey.

The lighting and sound effects were great, and I particularly loved the fact that Fairy Twinkle did her own “flash” every time she came on and off – if you don’t have the fancy pyro’s then why not make sure that the audience knows why!  Ingenious.  Beautifully played Laura!

The story moved through at a great pace – and there were some very funny comedy lines which were delivered with great timing.  A great slapstick scene in the kitchen, involving some messy baking, and a clever beanstalk which stretched up into the sky, right before our very eyes.

There were very strong singing voices throughout – in particular excellent vocals from Jack, Princess Jill and Queen Philomena.

Well done to the production team – Anita, Laura & Richard. 

Productions like this cannot go ahead without a great team “behind the scenes” – from the list of names in the programme there is clearly a dedicated “crew” supporting the production.  But I think more importantly this is a traditional “family” pantomime Society – and to quote from Anita’s directors notes “it is lovely to see shy, timid youngsters working their way through the chorus, blooming as they grow…” – this is where the grass roots start and even though this is only my 2nd visit to Gargrave, I can see so many youngsters from last years production are flourishing already!

Its’ lovely to see that for your 60th production next year you are going back to your grass roots and celebrating this milestone with a production of Babes in the Wood – the first panto you ever put on in 1964.  What a fitting tribute!

 

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