29th April 2025
Into the Woods
Bridlington Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, Bridlington Spotlight Theatre
Jack and the Beanstalk
Author: David Streeter
Information
- Date
- 6th January 2017
- Society
- Manor Operatic Society
- Venue
- City Hall Sheffield
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Richard Bradford & Linda Kelly
- Musical Director
- Andy Collis
- Choreographer
- Linda Kelly
A cold January evening. What do you need to cheer you up? How about an evening watching a Manor Operatic Society pantomime. Over the years I have watched many versions of many different pantomimes throughout Yorkshire. Some productions and scripts are good, some less so. This was a good script written by Hands On Productions and Promotions. In fact it was a great script. The quick fire humour and the Fairy/Witch rhyming couplets had me chuckling to myself throughout the whole performance.
As you have come to expect with Manor, this was a 'no expense spared' production. The costumes were lavish - I especially loved the ensemble black and grey costumes for the Giant scene. The lighting was creative, the pyrotechnics - especially near the end of act 1, really impressive. The Flying scene, UV scene, Dragons and Giant, completed the spectacular.
With a talented pantomime cast it is difficult to pick out individuals to mention. However I really enjoyed Fairy Flower (Christina Rice) stage presence and her version of 'Popular', and Witch Wee'd (Emma Holmes) 'Defying Gravity' demonstrating her range and vocal clarity. Other key musical numbers included 'Seize The Day' and 'Home'. The ensemble/full company choreographed and sung musical numbers were confident and enjoyable to watch.
The set piece Baking Song, Tiddly Winky Woo and Bucket Game segments allowed Tilly (Robert Spink), and Simon (Chris Hanlon), to show their experience, ably supported by Sniff & Whiff, and the King & Queen. The title part of Jack (James Smith) kept the storyline moving at a pace and with energy, whilst entertaining us vocally during his many musical numbers.
Act 2 travelled at a pace to counter the slightly lengthy act 1. Audience participation - always a good indicator - was loud and enthusiastic. Although it's worth remembering that audiences can have trouble remembering lengthy retorts. It was good to see the small number of young people onstage and blending in with the adult ensemble.
This was an evening that sent me and many other people home happy and smiling. This was a good evening's entertainment.
Congratulations to all the creative team of Richard Bradford, Linda Kelly and Andy Collis. A colourful, spectacular and enjoyable few hours.
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