Jack and the Beanstalk

Here we are again; it's Panto time with P.P.P and what a treat it was!

Everything a traditional pantomime should be about; great sets and a beanstalk made of fabric. It looked very good indeed! A spider that came out over the orchestra and frightened me to death! A giant who really looked like a giant.
Katie Legg, who was 'Fairy Sugardust', looked the part and did well, although at times could have slowed her dialogue. Hazel Laugee as 'Piccalilli the Witch' was a natural in the part (please don’t take that the wrong way!).
Simple Simon (Peter Hubble) also was a natural in his role, had great command of the audience as did Jack (Jack Matanle) who along with Princess Primrose made a lovely couple.
Julian Bennet as 'Dame Dottie' made a splendid tour-de-force; the audience loved him, and the natural warmth that came forth ensured everyone was on his side. However Dottie’s first entrance, was a bit tame, maybe should have done a little more of an arrival, because suddenly he was on stage, said a few words and then was straight into a song; but maybe that’s the script.
Rancid (Christian Brooker) was as creepy and evil as they come; a little like 'Quilp' in the Old Curiosity Shop. A solid performance. Colin Gilderthorp as 'Giant Buster Gut Bucket' made a good puppeteer and had a voice to match the character. Great!
Queen Hyacinth (Glenys Oates) came over really well, had a great voice and personality for the part. Whatever Glenys does, she does well and obviously enjoys it all so much.
Sarah Davies and Jo Sisk made a wonderful 'Buttermilk' it’s not easy to walk around under a cow costume and get it right, but get it right they did. It was worth getting hot under the collar for they gave the audience a lot of pleasure.
Scarper and Snatchet (Dan Ball & Jon Warren) gave great confident performances, particularly as they are both so young. Humphrey (Dom Domino) brought a unique style to his performance that you could not fail to like.
The Dancers were superb and did really well along with the Juniors, the night I was there it was the Red Team. Smiles all the way and Elaine Johnson is to be congratulated on a job well done indeed.
John Amery is such a good MD and enters into the fun of pantomime, the songs and music came over very well with a lot of light and shade, so well done John and orchestra.
Iain Douglas, as Director you have done it again! You gave Paignton yet another Pantomime to be proud of so keep directing, which will enable me to continue to have the pleasure and privilege of reviewing the shows in your area.
 

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