Jack & the Beanstalk

A very nice opening to this panto with the chorus all celebrating in their Sunday Clothes and making a good sound which they did throughout.  All the principal characters were well portrayed with some excellent voices.  Macauley Parker was Jack Dingle and used his voice to great effect, together with Emily Neen-Simes as a lovely Polly.  Chris Matthews played Dame Dolly Dingle, looking great in his very dame-like costumes and makeup.  Steve Edwards gave a super performance as Baron Grabbit - a true villain who deserved all the boos and hisses!  All the characters were well portrayed and mention must be made of the comedy duo, Emily Pierssene as Sergeant Pace and Stephanie Huxley as PC Snail - they were great fun and their appearances were much enjoyed by the audience.  Mo Munday's choreography was just right and it was very good to see the youngsters dancing.  All the costumes were well thought out thanks to Margaret Cutting and Carol Noble.  Nice to have live music with Hazel Stephanou on keyboards and Steve Huxley on percussion.  Some of the songs were sung with recorded music and this never overpowered the singers as can happen sometimes.  Scenery was ideal and well handled and the beanstalk and the golden hen were well contrived and worked wonderfully thanks to Ian Spashett.  Pantos are such fun to watch but also hard work to produce so thanks must go to all involved whether on stage or behind the scenes and especially to Director Sue Beck, MD Sue Davies and their production team and to writer Geoff Baker.

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