Jack and the Beanstalk

Researchers believe that the essential story of Jack and the Beanstalk dates back more than 5000 years, almost twice as long as Homer’s ‘Iliad’ and that’s some literary pedigree! It has all the classic ingredients of a fairy tale and makes for a great pantomime.

It was good to be at St Hilda’s again for this year’s production and I liked the unusual opening when the three characters were introduced.

Diane Stahlman was good as the Witch Picalilli and quickly had the audience booing at her every entrance.

Lilly Poore made a delightful Fairy Sugardust -  I have seen her grow such a lot in her presentation over the years - and she looked very pretty in her bright yellow gown.

The role of the principal boy was taken by Kath Shore, a newcomer I believe, and she gave a very good performance as Jack - I loved her boots!

Playing the unfortunate Simple Simon, Jack’s less fortunate brother who was foolish enough to sell the cow for what appeared to be useless beans, Craig Entwistle worked well with the audience.

Dame Dotty Dimple was played this year by another newcomer to the company, Tyler Pannone. He was rather young, slim and good looking for this particular role but he was confident and gave us a camp and glamorous Dame.

Sophie Gane really shone as Rancid the Rat Catcher (and dog’s body to the Giant!) Her acting was notable, another member I’ve watched grow in ability over the years. I liked her broomstick exits too.

The characters of Scratchit and Scarper, played by Steve Smith and Shannon Clark worked well together as the Brokers who were unable to get any money out of the unfortunate Dimple family, and Neale made an elegant, grand Humphrey, member of the Royal entourage.

The Royals themselves were a wonderful contrast of characters. The dopey King Crumble, (Graham Sheath) and his longsuffering wife Queen Apricot, (Lois Clark) They played their roles convincingly.

As their daughter Princess Charlotte, Leah Dent made the most of the principal girl role which always seems to be simply a sweet, gentle girl.

Buttermilk endeared herself to the audience and was kept nicely in check by Jayne Taylor.

I didn’t think that this was one of Alan Frayn’s best scripts but Mike included enough local references to add more interest to it overall.

All of the characters delivered their dialogue clearly and loudly, well done, it’s not always the case!

The members of the chorus added to the scenes and their individual lines could also be heard clearly.

I was delighted to see an ultra violet scene included this year and I thought the beanstalk climb was handled simply and effectively.

Make up was fine but Princess Charlotte didn’t appear to be wearing any, she was very pale. The Dame’s make-up was good, as were her wigs and costumes.

The simple choreography added visually and the lighting and sound were well designed and operated.

Music this year was not as familiar to me as it has been other years but I realise that you have to choose songs that appeal to a younger generation. I did however note that ‘Bad Moon Rising’ was a good number.

The pantomime was colourful in both scenery and costumes. Whilst there were no youngsters on stage this year there were enough members in the cast to make up for their absence. The singalong with Simon was enjoyed by the audience and the finale was lovely.

Well done Mike on the direction – the regular cast and the new members of St. Hilda’s Entertainers provided an entertaining pantomime for their audience.

Your simple programme contains all of the appropriate information and you have a good write- up on NODA too. I wonder if you are you entering it for the basic programme/poster competition?

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