Jack and The Beanstalk

Jack-the-Giantkiller (Laura Jolly) had bags of energy and enthusiasm and ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ in duet with Jill (Hannah Foster) was a highlight. The Giant remained unseen, but Robert Diment-Davies’ excellent vocal performance was dastardly through and through. Fleshcreep (John Attwood) with his cadaverous appearance and grave-digger’s voice was a perfectly creepy side-kick. Rosemary Horn, the Golden Phoenix, glowed in her vibrant costume, her lovely voice and graceful movement building the character of the magical bird - just take care to be on time with the musical cues. The Harp was given real character by Marlene Guela, strong and assertive, but always likeable, she played the part with skill. The songs ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘Thriller’ were a great hit with the audience.

Linking Village and Castle were the hilarious Chip and Pin, strongly played by Stewart Jones and James Chelton; was that a helium voice or a Punch and Judy Swazzle? Soft-voiced Squire Fumble-Trumpet (Mike Peden) kept the villagers in line, while Fairy Lights (Pat Jones) in gentle Scottish tones, brought order out of the ensuing chaos. Jack’s family are never the brightest bunch, but with his satchel and school shorts, Tom Eastcott-Jones was an appealing Clever Dick. Dame Polyester Trott (Brian Travers) had trouble with his lines but enjoyed himself immensely as the batty matron, while the sweet but Simple Simon (Ro Smith) took care of Gorgonzola the cow (Hayley Ashton and Bethany Macdonald).

In making props and set, the production crew created a colourful and atmospheric stage, with some lovely costumes from Mary Buck – a real team effort which certainly paid off.

Jack and the Beanstalk, well-written by SDC members Pat Jones and Brian Travers was a true family pantomime, full of interesting characters and traditional gags. Director Victoria Jones presented a colourful, funny and engaging production, which benefited greatly from the lively contributions of its youthful chorus and the choreography of Stewart and Victoria Jones. 

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