Jack and the Binstalk

This panto was a take on the old favourite Jack and the Beanstalk, but written in their own style by Janet and Allan Scott. They are both "old hands" at directing and producing this type of production as well as the full blown musicals this company has a reputation for performing. Allan is a wizard at the technical side of any production and his use of lighting and projections made this show flow wonderfully. 

The show had as its background the basis of the original but with their own twist on the story it was a very entertaining evening. This panto did not have the usual cast of thousands you sometimes see at this time of year when the use of a full adult and children's chorus brings an audience out. This company do not need to do that as their loyal supporters filled the theatre and were involved from the outset and responded with enthusiasm throughout.

Our Good fairy, Joyce Reekie was the Narrator/MC/Compere for the show and led us through the developing story, as The Trotts (Jinty, Jack and Shuggie) played by (Gavin Millar, Stephanie drummond, and Aiden Whan) have to raise funds to keep themselves alive and pay the rent. These four were excellent in their parts as were everyone else. The various family units - The Hoity-Toity's ( Brian McArthur, Liz Black and Eden Whan) - The DeMonte's (Chiara McMorran, Alison Murdoch, Idris Dean and Jim Gordon) were as usual excellent. The love interest and the comedy patter was superb,  Cath Monk as the Brown Owl along with her Brownies Emma Middleton and Meghan Whalen kept the show rolling along at pace and when Daisy the Cow (Linda Gordon) had to go to market we all wondered what was going to happen in this new version of the tale.

We didnt have a Giant just a Big Jessie who was portrayed by Janet Scott on screen after Jack had climbed up to her castle from the plant that grew out of the Bin, and lo and behold he discovered  Goosey (Hazel McCratney) who laid the golden eggs so Jack and his family and everyone else all lived happily ever after.

A great show well performed enthusiastically by everyone and keeping the audience involved throughout let us head home with a smile on our faces. Thank you very much for a most enjoyable evening.

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