Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk is a pantomime classic and this version is written by Alan P Frayn. It tells the story of Jack, the son of widowed mother Dame Dotty Dimple, who run a family Dairy business in Windy Bottom with his brother Simple Simon. Buttermilk, their one and only cow, ceases to produce milk so it is decided to sell her to raise much needed money. Simon is tasked with this and on the way to market he meets Rancid the Rat Man (an employee of the Giant) who persuades him to sell the cow for a bag of gold. When Simon gets home he gives the bag of gold to his mother who empties it only to find that it contains beans, which she throws into the garden and of course, a giant beanstalk grows into the clouds. Jack has fallen in love with the King’s daughter, Charlotte, who he finds has been kidnapped along with Buttermilk, who is to become the Giant’s next meal, and both have been taken to his castle. Jack decides to climb the Beanstalk to rescue Charlotte and is joined by Simon, Dotty and friends. They rescue Charlotte and Buttermilk, find the hen that lays the golden egg and all return home. All that remains is to chop down the Beanstalk!  

We first had a Prologue delivered by Sugardust, delightfully played by Katie Watkins, and Piccalilli who works for the Giant. Amanda Huntingdon was perfect as the ‘wicked witch’ and well deserving of the many boos she received. The opening scene ‘The Village of Windy Bottom’, was so energetically and enthusiastically delivered and the accompanying dance routine was just lovely and even the tiniest of tots were totally in time with the intricate moves. Jack was extremely well played by Kayleigh Constable with a no nonsense, matter-of-fact attitude. Cohan Wildgoose was an absolute hoot as Simple Simon. He has a natural talent for comedy and his boisterous, cheerful and exuberant mannerisms were so apparent in his many hilarious escapades and his rapport with fellow cast members was super. His banter, ad libs and interaction with the audience was brilliant, he certainly had everyone eating out of his hand, it was definitely a first class performance. Chris Peck, as Dame Dotty Dimple, excelled as the classic Panto Dame with the over-the top outfits, make-up and wigs. The bakery scene in particular was just so funny. Paul Holland was so menacingly evil as Rancid. His make-up and his clothes, with rats hanging from his belt, all added to his excellent portrayal. With their threats towards Jack’s family, Snatchet, played by Peter Maddison and Scarper, played by Sienna Alsop were supposedly baddies, but they turned out to be a most effective and funny comedy duo. Istvan Koszegi was great as King Crumble, he was most regal, but delivered the ‘scattiness’ of the character so well. Kristen Dougherty, as Queen Apricot, was equally regal but so much more uppity and smarter. Just as an aside, Kristen is from America and had never seen a Panto before not alone acted in one, so very well done. Their daughter, Princess Charlotte, was charmingly played by Charlotte Brown and Chris Nussey was so formal and refined as Humphrey, the Royal Equerry. Lyndsey Ashley and Abbie Proud, as front and back of Buttermilk, were just perfect. The forty eight named members of the ensemble who played Villagers, Fayre Goers and Giant’s Minions all gave excellent support and their many numbers were all so well sung and the innovative choreography was excellently executed. The were many wonderful scenes but I must mention some that were quite special. I loved the superbly colourful UV one and the scene with the wonderful beanstalk behind a wall, with the ‘tinies’ beautifully dancing in leotards and rainbow tutus backed by an ensemble tableau, as Jack attempts to climb the amazing Beanstalk was most impressive as was the scene outside the castle with the ‘tinies’ dressed in the black leotards but this time with bright yellow capes and black masks, but, as I have already said, there were many more. The Giant’s booming voice was delivered by Ken Radmore but I think many of the younger people in the audience were perhaps waiting for a glimpse of the giant, but it was not to be! The whole show ended with the very energetic, lively, spirited and super delivery of “Shut Up and Dance With Me” with Jack and Princess Charlotte in all their wedding finery.

The in-house sets, as always, were superb and beautifully painted by Andrew and Sabina Aucock and together with excellent props, especially the wonderful Beanstalk, excellent lighting and sound and fabulous costumes, it was a most entertaining, funny and energetic show delivered by such an array of talented actors and ensemble members.

I went to the Saturday Matinee and along with the many families in the audience there were two groups of Scouts who sat either side of the main aisle. Well you can imagine the banter there was between cast members and the scouts in particular, but none more so than when it was ‘singing competition time’ to “Dolly Dimple had a Farm”. One side sang this beautifully but not to be outdone, the ‘opposition’ literally shouted their way through it - it was just hilarious. All of the audience, including myself, thoroughly enjoyed themselves it was just a pity that, because of the age range, so many of the corny jokes went right over their heads - not me though, I laughed and appreciated all of them.

Many, many congratulations to Directors Leanne Collins and Mick Whitehouse, to Nigel Turner Group MD and Keyboards, to the Lighting and Sound Team, to the Stage Manager and his Crew and to all the other Backstage and Front of House helpers and to everyone else involved. I really love to visit this group, not only because everyone is always so welcoming but also because it is just one big happy family and the way in which, when possible, they involve and nurture so many young people augurs well for the future, not only of musical theatre, but for theatre in general. 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.