Jack and the Beanstalk

This was my first pantomime of the season and there was a welcoming buzz in the Hall, as this was the group's first night.

I am always amazed at what is achieved on this tiny stage, as the company is of a fair number, but they always aim to give their community a great evening's entertainment. This year's panto gave the cast plenty to do - it was a traditional panto, with a fair smattering of old and new jokes, with well known songs also old and new. The entire cast worked very hard, with enthusiasm, much to the delight of an audience of mixed ages (I think the adults were more vocal than the children!) The well-loved story of poor Jack, his angry mother, a very simple Simon and pretty Princess was put across to the audience very well - (and we mustn't forget the cow Buttermilk!!)

The Director and Musical Director had drilled their performers well, helped by Brenda Knowles at the piano and Ben Stone on drums. I was very impressed with the idea that Jack had sold the cow for a bag of gold, only to discover it had changed to Heinz baked beans, therefore, the beanstalk grew out of a large Heinz can! Clever thinking on the part of sets and props!!

As always, a lot of hard work had gone into the costumes and make-up - it is always a pleasure if the cast are well-dressed, especially in panto, and helps to give that extra magic for children. I would like to make a special mention of the children in the Ballet sequence - their footwork and general dancing was of the highest standard and I do hope they are able to keep up with the practice - some Darcy Bussells in the making!

Some of the principals were a little tentative in their performances but I put this down to the fact that it was their first night - I'm sure by the end of the week, all inhibitions were laid aside. Comedy is the hardest element to get right, it just needs an audience who laughs in all the right places and helps the cast along.

I do hope the rest of the week went successfully for this friendly group, they really deserved it.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.