Jack and the Beanstalk

I have only three words to say about this show – 'FAB-U-LOUS' !!!.

This super-talented group certainly know how to put on a great pantomime, and JACK AND THE BEANSTALK – their 60th Anniversary show - certainly ranks with one of the best I have seen from them.

From before the first curtain to the final standing ovation, the audience was transported into the magic of ‘pantoland’ in every way.

With a fabulous script by President Steve Arnott, sumptuously colourful and effective sets and backdrops by DSH Sets and Border Studios, some tremendous special effects such as the ‘beanstalk’ (also DSH) – which grows before your very eyes, an ogre-like giant (DSH) of massive dimensions and a lovely pantomime cow (Imagine Theatre) with fluttering eyelashes – what more could an almost packed audience want?.

Never mind what we wanted.… what we got was an excellently directed pantomime, compliments of Davie and Steven Linsdell-Bell, punchy up-tempo music and sensitive underscoring from Andrew Clarence and his brilliant 5-piece band, cracking choreography from Julie Cockburn, superb dancing and movement from a vibrant chorus who sang with conviction, and a strong line-up of entertaining, well cast principals whose strength and depth of experience showed in droves. Many congratulations to all !

This well-loved pantomime is full of magic and part of that magic is not only in the effects - which are visually superb, but also the drawing-in of the undeniably willing audience to the action created by the main principals – DAME TROTT (Steven Linsdell-Bell) and SILLY SIMON (Danny Patterson), who worked their socks off all night.

The love duo of JACK TROTT (Georgia White) and PRINCESS APRICOT (Katie Brittle) were comfortable and nicely convincing in their parts and sang their songs beautifully. The ‘baddie’ and ‘goody’ in the piece were in total contrast to one another. Nasty 'rock-chick' FLESHCREEP, played by Sabrina Lyall (in a first for her), and the beautifully under-played, sedate FAIRY OF THE BEANS by Mo Cave provided a lovely foil to the overbearing ‘green horror’ Sabrina created.

They were more than ably supported by Madeline Ilderton as BUMBLE the Chamberlain, Mark Robinson as KING CRUMBLE, the knockabout duo of GRABIT and SCARPER – Lauren Peters-Jones and Beth Robinson, Andy Hay in the Giant’s costume (with Steve Arnott’s voice), and Joanna Barrett voicing Clucky the Hen. Not forgetting our lovely DAISY THE COW – Julie Cockburn and Jamie Aitken (I have no idea who was the front or the back !).

The wonderful scenery, backcloths and props were very well stage managed by Jean Hall and her busy crew, who dealt with 16 scene changes. Equally impressive was the lighting design and effects by Mark Turner of Brightstar and a superb sound plot by Jonathan Mellor of Tyne Audio; all of which complimented the success of this excellent show.

The equally sumptuous and colourful costumes and makeup by the in-house team, also enhanced the visual effects of the show. All in all, a superb night’s family entertainment.

Get a ticket for this, you will not be disappointed.

Many thanks for the invitation, Pauleen and I enjoyed ourselves very much. We look forward to 2025 and SLEEPING BEAUTY.

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