Jack and the Beanstalk

“The reason we do this is because we love it!”  Polly Snape (Writer and Director)

This was my first visit to Ruthin Panto Society and on opening the programme, I was delighted to read these words from the Director and keen to see if that love was evident in the performance.  I was not disappointed.  This is a group that obviously enjoy every minute of what they are doing.  The huge cast and the range of age groups add to the overall delight for the audience and actors alike.  The story had lots of traditional elements while also displaying many of the writer’s own ideas.  The set was completely appropriate and well organised.  The use of the stage, the various levels and the large floor area lent itself to smooth transitions throughout and allowed the director to involve the whole cast in many of the scenes. The cast responded well to the staging of this production and used the area very well.  The costumes were super with every character depicted beautifully.  Even down to the detail of the two little pigeons, Zoe and Rosie.  Well-done Fran and the costume department. The lighting and sound were consistently good throughout.  I particularly liked the use of the lights to guide the audience to the beanstalk. Very effective!

The cast was made up of both adult members and members of Ruthin Youth Theatre.  The lead character of Jack was performed by Rosie Jones, a versatile actor who brought this role to life.  Rosie was accompanied by Beth Morris playing the part of the leading lady, Lwsi. Beth brought lots of enthusiasm and energy to the role. A super pairing that gave a convincing performance of the traditional pantomime couple whose journey culminates in a finale wedding. Well-done Rosie and Beth. The highly comical Aunty Gertie was depicted by long standing member, Gavin Pendrey Edwards. Gavin had an excellent stage presence and impeccable comic timing.  He interacted superbly with the audience, and his antics created much laughter.  I very much enjoyed Aunty Gerties’s rendition of Wrecking Ball! Congratulations Gavin.  Dave Snape and Carys Jones as Billy and Bella, worked well together, with the pair bringing their own element of fun to the proceedings.  Cariad the cow, played by Emma Parry, gave a wonderful performance especially when interacting with Aunty Gertie.  These two veterans of the society worked extremely well together and brought a huge amount of fun to the production.  Deb Louise and Ceri Wyn Jones as Melinda Moonpetal and Daisy Starlight created a super teacher/pupil relationship as the young, Daisy, is put through her paces in the hope of becoming a fully-fledged fairy.  The Director used the couple to punctuate the story allowing for scene changes and changes of pace.  A very effective technique that allowed the audience the opportunity to enjoy the interactions between these two characters.  Well-done on your performances Deb and Ceri.  Congratulations too to Carolyn Burkey and Annmaria Jones who played Velma and Vera.  These two experienced actors played formidable baddies!  They both had great stage presence and had the audience booing from the offset.  They obviously enjoyed their roles which translated into an enjoyable experience for the audience too.  Fabulous!  The Giant played by Dafydd Vaughan worked extremely well especially with the assistance of the minis.  A very entertaining and effective way to emphasise his size!  Well-done.  Pete Kirkham as the Harp gave a super interpretation of Elvis.  I really enjoyed the songs, Pete.  A terrific portrayal of this character.

The Big Kids and the members of Ruthin Youth Theatre added enormously to this production.  Evie as Ratilda, gave a confident, engaging performance. Great singing too, Evie. While Wizzy entertained us beautifully with Jolene Spiteri.  The Pigeons, the Mice, the Sheep, the Paparazzi, the Minis and the Ghosts all brought their own special contribution to the production while The Band performed with style throughout.   

The choice of music was super with good vocals and many fantastic dance routines. The choreography was well rehearsed and very effective.  Congratulations to the choreographer, Hanna Medi Roberts. 

This company work hard to produce a panto that will please their audience and cast alike.  Ruthin Panto Society are fortunate to have a director that also writes and can show off the ability of her cast.  The support of the local community is evident, from the chaperones to the front of house team.  All should be congratulated on their achievement and of bringing a production of this size to an appreciative audience.

A very enjoyable evening! Thank-you for inviting me.  I look forward to seeing what Rutin Panto Society do next!

 

The views in this report are solely the opinion of the writer.

 

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