Jack and the Beanstalk

The hall was packed for the Matinee performance with a lot of children and families all eagerly awaiting the show and the first Panto I have reviewed at this time of the year.   It was a good story line and a large company of young people to perform the show.

The opening number “Shout” was, perhaps, not the perfect opening; but on Dame Dotty Dimple’s entrance the feel of the production went up with a super performance by Alice Mason with some very good costumes and a positive commitment  to the show with great stage presence.

The lack of older boys was very evident in this production which left most of the principal parts being played by girls.   We are quite used to seeing the leading male character as a girl, but we also had girls in the parts of the King, Simple Simon and Jack.

Good dialogue from Becky Wright as Simple Simon and Abigail Morgan as Rancid the Ratman, and a really feisty Sophie Stocker as Piccalilli the Witch.  Sophie had a great rapport with the audience and pulled them all in to hiss and boo at the appropriate times.

Peter Greenwood and Matthew Russell as Snatchet and Scarper the brokers men were good together, but more slapstck would have added even more to their characters.

The part of Humphrey played by Ben Collins was a sort of a PR guy for the King & Queen.  Nice timing with his lines and a confident feel to his character.

 The company did well, and I always look for smiling faces and a feel they are enjoying performing which makes such a difference both to the show and the audiences enjoyment as well.

The stage effects of the beanstalk rising to the top of the stage and general scene changes were good and a mention for the cow Buttermilk played by Pheobe Jowett and ??? in the back end was excellent and very funny.

There was no mention in the programme of the person who was the voice of the Giant?  Who was this mysterious man?

A good programme, well laid out and, as always, plenty of info regarding previous shows and photo’s in the hall which is interesting.   Front of house as always were on hand when I arrived with a warm welcome.

The backing tracks were good, but at times too loud against young voices.  I can only comment that it is so important to get the balance sorted at dress rehearsal to avoid this.

It was encouraging to see so many young people in this production which overall was most enjoyable.

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