Jack and the Beanstalk

As this company presents just one main show annually, this is their chance to “strut their stuff”.  A good pantomime is not as easy to pull off as one might think, good timing being essential to ensure the audience responds in all the right places.  No problem here.  From opening to final bows, this was an energetic show, from an enthusiastic, talented company.

Three groups of youngsters/dancers feature - Tots, Juniors and Seniors (teenaged Seniors) and a quite small Chorus of ladies, making 36 in all plus Principals.  They filled the stage with music and dance and were clearly enjoying themselves.  The very youngest youngsters occasionally looked a little lost which only endears them further to the adult audience.

Jen Laws, as Fairy Daffodil, exuded goodness and bright goldenness – a fairy with a social media addiction and occasional sprinkler of stardust.  Princess Apricot is nicely played by Emma Deborah Ward, a late addition due to the indisposition of the original Princess, on just five hours’ notice.  She delivered a well-received solo, with Chorus support, in Act Two.  Sabrina Lyall played Jack as a somewhat reluctant hero, contrasting nicely with the manic antics of brother, Silly Billy, played by Davie Linsdell.  Whenever I see Davie playing the fool each year, the memory banks click in and the chuckle-factor lifts.  I know I’ll see a warm, Geordie, performance for children and adults alike.

Robert Wilson Baker was an amusing, slightly dim, King Crumble – Apricot’s Dad!  Jack and Billy’s mother, Dame Trott, was played amusingly by Joanna Barrett.  She had many of the best lines which she delivered well, amusing youngsters whilst casting a salacious eye towards the adults.  Dame Trott needs a pantomime cow to be exchanged for that bag of beans by Jack, rather than the gold his mother expects.  Daisy the Cow was very light on her toes,  being inhabited by choreographer Julie Cockburn and Emma Tuff.

Finally, the Giant’s villainous sidekick, Fleshcreep, was played with malign charm and impressive voice, by Steven Bell.  We booed mightily but our cries seemed a little lost between auditorium and stage.  Never mind, we loved to hate him, in the nicest possible way.

A technically accomplished show – video, animation, very impressive and bright lighting making the colourful costumes glitter and gleam.  A very impressive show which sends the audience out with a smile and a song on their lips.

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