Jack and the Beanstalk

This was another very enjoyable seasonal offering from the society and it played to a full house on the night we attended with all bar one of the six performances equally well supported.

From the very first lines delivered by the baddie, Ferdinand Fleshcreep, the audience was in exactly the right mood to join the cast and make the evening thoroughly entertaining.  This part was extremely well played by James Last and, throughout, I could understand every word he said.

Ian Thompson was, as always, very good as Dame Hilda Trott, wearing some super costumes, and he was well supported this year by an excellent Richard Gorton as Timmy Trott.  He had the audience on his side from the word go and he and Ian made a very good pairing.

Hannah Irena Wilson was a super Principal Boy, Jack Trott, delivering her lines clearly and singing well.  She was also a good “straight man” for the Dame and Timmy.

There were good performances also from Georgia Kingston as Jill, Jack’s beloved, Chris Robson (Squire Knackweasel) and Mandy Pearson as Fairy Happiness.  I might have dressed her up a bit though!  There was a strong chorus, several of whom took the smaller parts, and a well performed Daisy the Cow.

There were some good musical numbers which were kept short and the costumes, set and lighting were effective.

If I had a negative it was that I felt a 10.00pm finish was a bit late for a panto attended by a large number of children.  But, in all fairness, when the sing-a-long started near the end of the show, most of these youngsters were awake and on stage!

I reckon that there were a few adults in the audience who would have been happy to join them!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.