Jack and the Beanstalk

As we all know Pantomime, often shortened to ‘panto’, is a British Theatrical form of entertainment, particularly popular around Christmas and New Year. Thanks to Companies like Kaleidoscope, and others I have had the pleasure to visit, we can enjoy this family friendly slapstick musical comedy entertainment, often with audience participation, well into the summer months. Another feather in the cap of this enterprising company with their production of Jack and the Beanstalk this year. Set in the Town of Sunnydale which was the main scene in this 14 scene panto. The Director coped well with the space available and the 50+ enthusiastic players on stage.

Delightful performance yet again from talented Alexa Roberts as Jack. Maisie Hendry was a superb, sparkling Fairy whilst at the other end of the spectrum Sarah McEwan’s portrayal as Witch received plenty of ‘Boos and Hisses’ from the audience, to the delight of the children. I liked the contribution from Michael Bell as Sheriff, there was definitely ‘no messing with him’ as he stamped his authority on this role. Michael’s diction and the delivery of his script was brilliant. Dylan Bourne and Leo Dexter-Lowe as Ed 1 and Ed 2 respectively were responsible for the comedy aspect of the piece, and they jointly triumphed with their comedy banter as they received their accolades from the audience. Millie Thomas gave a very vocal characterisation of Tommy Trot. She was expert in all musical numbers and her acting and facial expressions were superb. Danielle Gorle once again shone in the role of Dame Trot demanding attention every time she entered, and of course her rapport with the audience was again flawless. The role of King was in the capable hands of Jac Gwynne who is no stranger to the stage, his stagecraft improves everytime I see him. Ellie-Jayne Yates gave us a solid performance as Princess, harmonizing well with Jack in their duets whilst Dominique Gorle was spot on as Melanie.

Huge applause for Daisy the Cow performed by Sophie Ehlke-West and Ellie Penfound as they joined dancers in a great musical number and didn’t miss a beat or shuffle. Damien Shingles and Sophie Ehlke- West completed the main cast as Giant and Hezra.

The full chorus of Academy, Junior, and Senior Chorus were full of enthusiasm and, encouraged by the cast, fulfilled all their tasks even though the stage was a tad crowded at times. Dance Core did all that was required and added to the success of the evening. Lovely energetic routine opening Act 2 with the Gypsy Scene, and memorable Finale with ‘Reach for the Stars’

Costumes were just brilliant   Crew were as efficient as usual with props and scene changes, together with no hiccups with lighting and sound. 

This was great entertainment and Congratulations to anyone involved in the production of Kaleidoscope’s very successful Jack and the Beanstalk. 

Thank you so much for all your invitations during the past years, I have enjoyed coming to see you all perform and develop your stagecraft to a very high standard.  Onwards and Upwards!! 

 

This is the opinion of the reviewer    

 

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