Jack and the Beanstalk

I couldn’t find the venue for West Wickham’s Pantomime Society panto at the Wickham Hall on Wednesday 16 January and thought I would miss it, but I went the following night. It was my first visit to WWPS since they were handed to my area a couple of years ago. I am so glad I came back”… what a panto” Director Brian Drayson has created a giant of a pantomime in this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk and it is “full of beans” with all the right ingredients, some outrageous colourful funny costumes, a set and props that were worthy of professional status. The magic beanstalk was impressive. Seamless scene changes thanks to a swift stage crew headed by Mike Simpson (Stage Manager). I was handed a good looking programme that was easy to read and would have been good to enter into the NODA programme competition but it didn’t show the NODA crest which was a disappointment. The musicians, under Brian Read (Musical Director), play a lively mix of old and new songs mixed with modern clipped tracks. Sally Warsop’s (Choreographer) troupe of dancers, were perfect even down to the tap routine which fitted in well, and they were smiling and looked as if they were enjoying themselves, well done Sally. The enthusiastic cast hit the stage to deliver a first-rate panto which had the audience cheering, singing and laughing. Not only was this performance spectacular with amazing sets and old and modern song choices, fabulous costumes, set and effects, the camaraderie and team work of the cast was superlative. I am finding it difficult to single out performances so I will not try..EVERYONE in this cast I could hear and I was at the back, no mikes this is so rare these days, I was hugely impressed. This hugely entertaining show that ticks all the right boxes. Overall a golden egg is well and truly laid with this performance. UNMISSABLE…….!!!! Thank you West Wickham Pantomime Society for inviting me and my guest, we enjoyed our evening immensely.

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