Jack and the Beanstalk

This was my first visit to Holy Rood Stage Society and their annual pantomime, and this year’s production was the much‑loved classic Jack and the Beanstalk. Walking into the venue, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but from the moment the lights dimmed it became clear that this community theatre group takes enormous pride in what they do. Written by their very own John Wilkins, the show whisked me away into the familiar yet freshly imagined world of Jack, his mother, and that towering magical beanstalk. What struck me almost immediately was the ambition behind the staging. For a community theatre group, the production boasted some genuinely impressive effects. The inflatable beanstalk rising dramatically into view and the enormous giant’s foot looming at the side of the stage were standout visual moments. These touches weren’t just gimmicks they genuinely enhanced the storytelling and kept the audience, especially the younger members, hooked and engaged throughout, hats off to director’s Mark D Thornley, Julie Splaine and Laura Arthern for bringing these creative ideas to the stage.

From the very start, the cast burst onto the stage with infectious energy, singing and dancing their hearts out. Musical numbers such as Money’s Too Tight to Mention and Dancing in the Street were delivered with enthusiasm and a real sense of camaraderie. Each performer brought their own spark to the ensemble, and the collective effort created a warm, lively atmosphere that felt quintessentially “community theatre” in the best possible way. These songs weren’t just filler they helped shape the tone of the show, moving it along with rhythm and personality.

Complementing the musical numbers was a series of well‑drilled movement sequences. While the choreography itself was kept relatively simple, it was clear that this was a deliberate choice. The accessible movement allowed performers of all ages and abilities to participate fully, ensuring that no one was left behind. This inclusivity is one of the things that makes community theatre so special, and Holy Rood Stage Society embraced it wholeheartedly.

Adding an extra layer of polish were the dancers from Mariyka’s Dance Studios. Their presence elevated the production significantly. These dancers were exceptionally well rehearsed, with tight formations, clean lines, and impressive dynamic control. Their movement quality stood out in every number they appeared in, and each dancer performed with a smile that radiated genuine joy. They brought a level of professionalism that blended beautifully with the rest of the cast, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the show.

The production opened with a clever and contemporary twist: a dramatic “TV interview” scene. This was a refreshing and unexpected way to set the tone and introduce the storyline. Taking to the stage were Mark D. Thornley as Richard Maidstone and Laura Arthern as Julie Finneus. Both performers demonstrated strong projection and brought distinct personalities to their roles. Their quick wit and humorous exchanges had the audience laughing early on, and they did an excellent job of framing the narrative threads that would unfold throughout the pantomime. Jack Bentos, played by Julie Splaine, brought warmth and charm to the role. Julie’s portrayal captured the innocence and determination that make Jack such an enduring character. Her interactions with the other cast members were natural and engaging, and she carried her scenes with confidence.

Gill Gormless, played by Beth Hyde‑Wilkins, was another memorable presence. Beth delivered a strong vocal performance, particularly in the musical number Unstoppable, where her projection and control were especially impressive. She balanced humour and sincerity effectively, making Gill a character the audience could root for.

Gary Gormless, portrayed by Sam Tait, provided some of the afternoon’s best comedic moments. Gary’s timing was sharp, and he delivered his lines with clarity and confidence, ensuring the audience caught every joke. His physical comedy and expressive reactions added an extra layer of fun to the scenes he appeared in. Of course, no pantomime is complete without a villain, and this production certainly delivered one. Mayor Colin Fleshcreep, played by Jonny Heslop, was deliciously wicked. Jonny struck the perfect balance between menace and humour, prompting enthusiastic boos and hisses from the audience at every entrance. His performance demonstrated a clear understanding of what makes a pantomime villain so entertaining, and he embraced the role with gusto.

And then there was the Dame, an essential ingredient in any pantomime. John Wilkins took on the role of Fay Bentos, bringing a delightful blend of humour, warmth, and cheeky charm. His interactions with the audience and fellow cast members were consistently entertaining. One particularly memorable moment involved a playful “Alexa” gag, which landed perfectly and added a touch of modern humour to the traditional format. John clearly understands the art of pantomime comedy, and his performance helped anchor the show.

While there was much to enjoy, I must say that at times the pantomime did feel a little too long. There were moments where it seemed that too much had been included, causing the pacing to dip slightly. A bit of tightening here and there would have helped maintain momentum and kept the energy consistently high. Additionally, there were points where I struggled to hear some of the dialogue and singing. With microphones positioned at the front of the stage, performers who moved too far upstage occasionally became difficult to hear. This is a common challenge in community theatre spaces, and while it didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience, it was noticeable at times.

Despite these minor issues, the afternoon was thoroughly enjoyable. The warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication of everyone involved were evident in every scene. Holy Rood Stage Society clearly pours heart and soul into their productions, and the result is a show that brings people together and celebrates the joy of performance.

Thank you to Holy Rood Stage Society for your kind invitation and warm welcome. I look forward to seeing you all again soon and experiencing more of the creativity and community spirit that you bring to the stage.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.