Jack and the Beanstalk

With a script, adapted by Heather Adams Officer from the original by company stalwart the late Russell Adams, I anticipated it would be full of local references, corny jokes and traditional panto nonsense – it did not disappoint! From the opening ensemble number “Danger, Danger (Angry Mob)” to the now traditional finale rendition of “Reach” we were treated to a fast moving, laughter filled evening. The majority of the hilarity was wreaked by Garry Brindley as an outrageous Dame Trott – complete with signature yellow wellies – as she tried to wheedle her way into the affections of the unwilling King Geoffrey played by Tim Roberts, who magnificently managed to retain his composure despite the Dame’s best efforts. Their duet “Baby It’s Cold Outside” had the audience in stitches! Lewis Maitland as the Dame’s adopted son Silly Billy was a loveable, bouncy character who had the audience onside from his first entrance and the scene where he is reunited with his birth mother at the end of Act 2 was touchingly handled. Heather Stewart as Jack, the Dame’s other son and the hero of the piece, made a striking principal boy with strong acting and singing and was equally matched by his love interest the feisty Princess Alice played by Meaghan Peters – their duet “I Want It That Way” was delightful. Andrew Dart was excellent as the multi-tasking Prime Minister with a different voice to go with every hat! Murray Lawson as the Giant’s henchman Toxic Tony was the epitomy of evil menace deserving of every boo and hiss but in the end was no match for the strength of the magic of Fairy Nuff fluffily played by Elizabeth Levy. Her rendition of “Pure Imagination” was truly magical. Strong support was given by Bill Williamson (onstage Giant), Kirsty Williamson (Giant’s Housekeeper), Sally Hermanns (Hen) and Oscar Barnett (Magic Harp). Mention too must be made of the lovable Bluebell the Cow (Freda Adams and Becky Williamson). Singing by the principals and chorus alike was strong and the choreography well drilled. Costuming was bright and appropriate to each character. Due to safety restrictions placed by the local council on the stage, the set had to be kept simple and the set designers and stage crew managed this very well. With the use of judicious lighting the changes between the scenes were flawless. Congratulations on an excellent show immensely enjoyed by the full house audience.

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