Jack and the Beanstalk

Before I begin my review proper for this LIDOS production of Jack and the Beanstalk, I have just word to say about it - BRILLIANT!

Once again, LIDOS have produced a top-notch pantomime to delight their audiences young and not so young. The night I attended, the usual groups of Brownies and Cubs were a bit thin on the ground but the adults made up for the noise and banter magnificently! 

All good pantomimes must have a good script at the start and I was so impressed with this one from Tom Whalley Pantomimes. Although traditional in format, this one had a modern feel to it - loads of 'doubles entendres' and plenty of jokes involving bodily functions from the adults and Pat the Cow! The story was complemented beautifully by songs reflecting the story-line - very clever! 

Emma Thomson directed this pantomime, following the success of their June 2023 production of '9-5' which she also directed. This show had good pace,with well-constructed scenes and good use of the stage - in spite of there being so many performers on stage, it never felt over-crowded. 

Robert Massa-Sanders, the excellent Musical Director, kept the musical numbers well within the range of the performers with clear musicality. The choice of musical numbers were also excellent, both modern and classic.

As always, the choreographers, Emma Tempest and Donna Wells came up with some stunning dance numbers, particularly the 'Monster' number with the Fleshcreep character.

As I have already said, this was a traditional pantomime, so the characters were instantly recognisable, Claire Hoyland played Jack with passion and gave full rein to her incredible singing - such a pleasure, She was complimented by Sophie Massa-Sanders as Jill, the sweet Princess that all little girls want to be - she gave a strong performance and lovely vocals.I must give an extra 'bravo' to Mark Gale as Dame Trott, Jack's mother. This young man played the part to perfection - he had the audience in the palm of his hand from his first entrance. I saw in the programme credits that he had been a mainstage presenter for Haven Holidays and that experience certainly gave him the way of 'working' the audience and getting lots of laughter in return. I have seen many Dame performances in my career and I would put Mark alongside the professionals - very well done! 

James Preston played Silly Simon Trott to perfection - the energy from his performance exhausted me!  He had an excellent delivery of the dialogue, his comic timing spot-on.

James Sidgwick, always dependable in his many characterisations, gave a new dimension to Fleshcreep - he maintained full volume and nastiness right through the show - even in the finale, he kept up the horrible character! so well done!

The Good Fairy in this version was Mother Nature, played charmingly by Sophie Ketteringham and costumed perfectly as the role depicted.

The surprise character of the evening was James Pegg as King Edward - in a nod to the character Lord Farquaad in 'Shrek the Musical'; he was so funny and really made something of a part which is normally just a bit throw away character - and to perform the whole evening on his knees deserves a medal - what a clever interpretaton!

Unseen, but deserving of a huge round of applause, was Adrian Marshall and Graham Siddle inside the fantastic 'Cow' costume of Pat the Cow - they certainly gave her personality!  Mavellous stamina!  Another unseen character was Matt Tempest as the voice of the Giant and inside the enormous Giant costume at the end of the show - all these prop costumes were excellent. 

The very busy Stage Crew, headed by Paul Harding, were, as always, very professional and kept the action moving seamlessly from one scene to another. The sets (Prosccenium Ltd and Scenic Projects) were professional and lookedstunning - as were the Sound and Lighting (Tech 247) - not a hitch during the whole show.

The production was beautifully dressed by a team of Costume Co-ordinators and the makeup very well executed (not credited), particularly the Dame and Fleshcreep.

The principal cast were very well supported by an excellent ensemble , all youthful and giving their all, alongside exceptional dancers - what a delight to watch their intricate dance moves.

There wasn't one week link in the company's performance, so great to see.

The whole performance was complimented by a terrific band - The MD, Robert Massa-Sanders on Keyboards with Florin Werner on Drums - small in numbers but not in professionalisim.

I just loved this pantomime - it had my favourite ingredients in it - energy and enthusiasm. A most wonderful evening's entertainment and a credit to LIDOS, who celebrate 50 years of amateur theatre this year - long may they continue to impress, delight and amuse us for many years to come!

My sincere congratulations to you all!

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.