Jack & the Beanstalk

Group: Silchester Players

Show: Jack & the Beanstalk by Bradford & Webster

Venue: Silchester Village Hall

 

Jack & the Beanstalk is a pantomime by Bradford and Webster and published by NODA Limited. Silchester Players have been entertaining local audiences for well over 40 years and in that time have produced Jack & the Beanstalk on two previous occasions.  This latest offering showed no signs of age.  It was light, bright and flowed along as if it was the first time the story had been told.  The audience thoroughly appreciated the effort that had gone into the evening’s entertainment.

 

The scenery is always extremely effective and the artistry with which it is painted is first class.  The many scene changes were managed most efficiently and every scene enhanced the acting.  The lighting supported the action well and together with the musical accompaniment the balance was achieved to a very high standard.  The ‘creation’ which was the Giant and the growing beanstalk inspired great ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ in the audience.

The costumes were superb especially the jacket for Grotviler.  The attention to detail on both the costuming and the make-up is noticeable and excellent.

From the opening number to the end the chorus choreography and singing were outstanding in their effectiveness and quality.  Both the senior and junior chorus undertook their functions well.  The scenes involving the colourful glo paints with the UV light were extremely effective and beautifully choreographed.

Simon was well played by Joe Williams who created a very forgetful character such that the audience knew many of his lines. Jack and Jill made a good pair. Charlie Henkey as Jack maintained his character well and Jill played by Rebecca Wright carried off the role to perfection.  Stephen Bibby stepped up to the role of Dame Tilly Trotter with consummate ease sporting fabulous costumes.  Grabbit (Scarlett Quittenton) and Leggit (Mary Robertson) performed their tasks well.  They provided excellent continuity between the various scenes. The Mayor played by Kevin Belcher was suitably ominous but could have been a little more scary.  Lady Lotsadosh had such a fabulous speaking voice there were several well-known actresses she could have been emulating.  Full marks must go to Fairy Haricot Vert who maintained her French accent throughout.  Her clarity of delivery made her a delight.

The whole cast really got to the heart of all the dialogue and the localisation of several of the jokes gave the audience an extra titter.  A great deal of hard work and rehearsal went into this very slick production of Jack & the Beanstalk.

This first-class production was a delight to watch and appreciate.  Observing the youngsters in the audience was also a delight.  The show maintained a good pace throughout.  Congratulations to everyone involved on a splendid evening’s entertainment.

 

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