Jack and The Beanstalk

On Wednesday, 19th February, I had the pleasure of attending St Gabriel’s ADMS pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk. A pantomime in February, you ask? But any scepticism quickly vanished, as the performance exceeded expectations. The timeless story was retold brilliantly, infused with contemporary humour that complemented rather than detracted from the classic tale. From Jack being sent to sell Daisy the cow, to his fateful encounter with the magic beans, and the daring climb up the beanstalk to confront an irate giant—the production captured the essence of this beloved narrative. Jack and his companions ultimately triumphed, returning home enriched and ensuring their happy ending.

The effort and creativity behind staging such a production in a school building were truly impressive. The convincing set, complete with well-thought-out entrances and exits, spoke volumes of the dedication and time invested by the St Gabriel’s team. My heartfelt admiration goes out to everyone involved. Special recognition is due to Georgina Sutton in her directorial debut, whose vision, creativity, and ability to inspire and lead a diverse cast shone through in every scene.

The pantomime opened with the charming Fairy, played by Michaela Coward, and the delightfully villainous Fleshcreep, played by Ange Shepard. Their engaging performances, punctuated by comedic timing and expressive portrayals, immediately set the tone. Fleshcreep, in particular, mastered the art of eliciting the audience’s boos and hisses through impeccable diction and tonal delivery. The opening number, It’s Going to Be a Good Day, featured an enthusiastic ensemble of young performers, who were well-rehearsed and synchronised in their dance and vocals. Despite minimalistic costumes, their joy and passion for performing shone brightly. Harry Ingham, with his boundless energy and charisma, stood out as a talent to watch in the years to come.

While occasional lapses in pacing arose, likely due to nerves or spatial constraints, they hardly diminished the overall experience. The chemistry between Jack, played by Eleanor Milne, and the Princess, portrayed by Liv Taylor, was mostly convincing, though brief breaks in character slightly disrupted the immersion. Their vocal performances were commendable, though attention to backing track volume could further enhance future shows. No pantomime is complete without a comedic duo, and Splash, played by Laura Culshaw, and Dash, brought to life by Mike Newton, delivered laughs aplenty with their witty banter and perfectly timed jokes. The King (Martyn Tierney) and Town Crier (Nicola Sutton) also stood out with their engaging performances, demonstrating sharp pacing and humour in their interactions. The audience’s lively reactions—boos, hisses, and cheers—were a testament to the enjoyment felt throughout the evening.

A heartfelt thankyou to St Gabriel’s for their warm welcome and hospitality. This production of Jack and the Beanstalk exemplified the role of community theatre, and I eagerly
await their next show. Congratulations to all involved!

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