Jack and the Beanstalk

We were given a lovely welcome when it was our turn in the queue. Audience had formed a long queue and children were very excited. Quite a buzz in the audience throughout the show.

Yet again BADG gave us a lovely panto with such a small cast of 15.There was obvious enjoyment shown by cast and audience. All of the characters played their part well with lots of smiles and enthusiasm. What a busy time your director/MD (Justyn Jones) had to produce such a good show. Music was appropriate throughout and it was good to hear the small live band.

There were lots of good singers on stage. The 2 leading members of the small chorus were the first to listen to, lovely voices, plus Dame Trot (Jay Timms) was another nice voice as well as relating to the audience. It was also good to see imaginative , new dame’s outfits.

The old adage “never work with children or animals” came to mind as Daisy The Cow (Jenny McAleny and Liv Jones) was/were brilliant. I have not come across another such excellent cow, dancing and reacting positively to everything, not too good to be milked by a member of the audience. Really enjoyed Daisy’s performance.

Trumpet, The Royal Herald (Jess Thistleton) had excellent projection. We heard every word. Her disguise as a tree listening to Jack Trot (Hannah Stevenson) and Princess Demelza (Keira Edwards) caused lots of laughter and she managed not to laugh at the King’s jokes. King Bertram (Sam Lawson) didn’t miss an opportunity to dance with lots of energy. He seemed quite comfortable on stage.

Simple Simon (Kornelia Stranc) was quite a character with an unusual costume – congratulations to the costume team. Edena the Eco Fairy (Sian Griffiths) was not helped by her mic – 1 st night problems which I am sure would have been sorted for the next performance.

Slimeball (Steve Davies), as his name suggests, was the ‘baddie’. He worked very hard, had a very difficult song to sing, but sing it he did. Well done. I enjoyed the “magical” music which helped the beanstalk to grow. `

Then we meet Giant Blunderbore (Dave Carroll). We heard his loud roar but got quite a shock when he came on stage. He was brilliant and managed his stilts with large feet very, very well. He was just about accommodated on the stage, almost tall enough to share a space with the lighting gear! Just the right performance.

The opening of Act 2 was a thriller dance in black &.white, lovely to watch, a nice challenge for the augmented chorus. The panto song of “If I were not upon the stage” was suitably suggestive and very funny.

We had to wait until almost the end of the show to hear the lovely contralto song of Princess Demelza – worth the wait.

The show was complemented by lovely hand-painted scenery.

Well done all of you. We had a super night along with your loyal audience.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.