Jack and the Beanstalk

The scene was certainly set at the start of this production with a gobo showing a  spooky tree on the front cloth and a smart cottage with an attractive tiled roof DSR. We were treated to an amusing “front of house” announcement followed by a lively, overture before Fairy Bean entered dressed in autumn gold, to introduce the story  and the characters to come. 

The tabs opened to a delightful chorus and an attractive troupe of young dancers, all  in co-ordinated costumes with gingham in abundance, as the journey started into the  “Land of Make Believe”. 

All the expected cast were on board together with all the usual panto “business”  much to the delight of this “first night” audience. 

Dame Trott with “son” Jimmy made a fun entrance in an invisible car, making their  mark straight away. The Squire was suitably grumpy and his song “When You’re a  Grabham” with the ensemble was memorable. 

Jack was heroic but cleverly played as slightly dim, while Jill was determined and  feisty. They made a good couple, albeit a bit “tongue in cheek”, but this added to the  fun. Their “hit or miss” love duet was extremely funny, making a real change from the  usual “soppy” song! 

In fact, everything about this production was decidedly different and refreshing from  start to finish. 

Oh yes it was! 

The giant’s henchmen, Bloodshot and Grimm, made a great duo. Looking like typical  Private Eyes, dressed as Blues Brothers their initial entrance with multiple pairs of  sunglasses was hilarious. They certainly made the most of their scenes in the plot to  kidnap Jill and interacted brilliantly with the audience. Their number “Bad Guy” in Act  II was a highlight. 

In Act I business with a giant Dishwasher replaced the usual Baking Scene, and also  incorporated the It’s ‘Behind You’ panto staple. 

Pat the Cow was simply delightful and wowed the audience with a tap routine. A  charming Bactrian Camel appeared from time to time, with the music cleverly  switching to a few bars of “Eastern Promise”! 

In the milking scene one of the bottles escaped before its moment but this was  covered easily by the Dame and was such a small thing on a first night which flowed  smoothly from beginning to end.

The first half came to a close as the giant Beanstalk grew on stage and Jack and the  whole Company gathered around as he set off to rescue Jill from the Giant’s Castle  in the clouds. 

An entr’acte from the talented Band led into Act II which opened with the ensemble in the Giant’s Kingdom. Dressed in a magnificent array of costumes in autumn forest colours, the dresses were particularly eye-catching. 

Of course, everyone climbed up the Beanstalk to aid Jack in his quest and there was  some great fun with a long rope that wound its way round and round, eventually  winched off with the help of the percussion musician on the “ratchet”! Dame Trott was played in this production by a talented lady with strong stage  presence and a great voice. This worked very well and together with a long-standing  Honiton performer playing Jimmy made for a super comedy duo with good timing  and lots of humour. They got the audience onside from the start without going over  the top. The two had a lovely scene with the Musical Director involving bottles of  wine ending up on the side of the keyboard! Both performances were well paced,  natural and played with warmth and energy. 

All the fun continued through the second half with a bee, dragonfly, a “can can”  dancing caterpillar and even a “blue arsed” fly! 

When the giant finally made an appearance, he was truly spectacular with a massive  head and a fabulous pair of shoes and was well accompanied by his Golden Harp  and Hen, who naturally laid the golden eggs! 

Of course, Jack was successful in his bid to rescue Jill, and everyone made their  escape from the castle and back down the Beanstalk, and what an escape it was! Taking the form of a chase sequence everyone ran around the stage along the back  wall into the wings and back across the front, all accompanied to various theme  tunes. There was a “Strictly” moment” and a “Chariots of Fire” scene complete with  the Vangelis theme tune and strobe lighting, all done in slow motion – impressive! Everyone changed for a fantastic finale making a spectacular gold and cream finish. The singing and choreography were top-notch, lighting and sound effective  throughout and the Band were an integral part of the show, giving sterling  accompaniment, “extra” effects when required and joining in with all the banter. . 

Once again, a super and inclusive production from this talented Company, every  member had a role to play – well done! 

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the  overall production and in particular the performance viewed. It should be  remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the  techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed  may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to  encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

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