Jack and the Beanztalk

The Pontesbury Players annual pantomime was an evening full of fun and laughter, a real community event that was sold out on the evening that I attended.

Jack and the Beanztalk written by director Martin Jones is the story of Widow Spongey (Malcolm Whittall), her son Jack Spongey (Guy Campbell-Curtis) Oxo the cow (Tegan Bebb & Evie Sullivan) and their journey in being able to pay the rent to the wicked Squire Grabbit (Steve Thomas) and his Bailiff (David Williams).

Along the way we met a magical scarecrow (Jane Pemberton), the Devil (Sue Rees Evans), the Giant (George Rowe) and the ditzy (very talented) Fairy Midden (Sian Campbell-Curtis).

There were jokes a plenty in this production and these were delivered well by all of the characters. Steve Thomas as Squire Grabbit was a real winner with the audience both on and off script, making the art of pantomime look really easy. His interaction with the audience was well controlled, appropriately adlibbed and very interactive.

I particularly liked the comedic charm of Martin Jones who played the part of the oversized Giants golden egg laying chicken, the lethargic postman played by John Rice and the very enthusiastic Golden Ukulele (Luke Evans).

The whole show was accompanied at the piano by Iestyn Korsak who provided and delighted the audience with his musical accompaniment, which set the mood for each of the scenes.

Guy Campbell-Curtis and Sue Rees Evans have good singing voices although a little more projection would help in getting these to the back of the hall.

No pantomime would be complete with out its chorus of villagers, pigs, sheep, sheep dog and of course in this production the magic beanz that talk.

Thank you Pontesbury Players a most enjoyable evening.

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