Jack and the Beanstalk

Yet again this company delivered a good family pantomime. The sets and back clothes gave a wonderful visual to the overall effect which only enhanced the show. The costumes as always were very colourful. The music under the direction of Jenny Collis-Smith was excellent with a small combo and with some new musical numbers for all to sing along too. Alas on the technical side of things I was very confused as to the situation regarding the sound, and to this I would like to point out that the amount of company on stage, the volume in all the company numbers was very weak and lacklustre, and I think more encouragement be given to singing out just in case the system does fail if at all this was the case. Choreographer Angela Snell accomplished sometimes the impossible with her routines less is more with such a large cast. The direction under Barbara Bispham moved with a good pace throughout. The good Fairy (Louisa Shaw) narrated the show with impeccable diction, looking very regal in her costume linking all the scenes together beautifully and so easy on the eye well done. Jack (Rachel Hadzik) gave a convincing performance in this role with her usual strong singing linking up well with the Princess Jasmine (Natalie Collins) the duets were sung well. Jethro (Adam Goode) was excellent in this role encouraging the audience throughout to join in whenever possible with great gusto and comedy timing very funny. Bringing the animation of Buttercup the cow into life was excellently operated by (Chandra Sheer/Shannon Vernon) respectfully which the audience absolutely loved well done to you both. Dame Trot (Jonathan Brett) another stalwart performance with the ever steady flow of costume changes. Now if you ever want to know how to play a cameo role look no further than that of the Flunky (Daniel Norman) extremely funny, not laughing at you but with at you, every entrance the style and expressions you managed to portray were incredible which was well received well done. King Aireboria (Gary Blackman) good strong role clear diction. Queen Gladioli (Haley Walker) a little confused as to why someone with a hearing problem would be whispering albeit you looked beautifully costumed and the characterisation was good. Major Roadworks (Lesley Davenport) and her sidekick Private Access (Nathanael Brett) gave very good comical performances bouncing off one another well and delighting the audience.

An overall well received show

Many thanks for the hospitality shown to me on the evening 

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