Jack & the Beanstalk

This was my fifth pantomime since the beginning of December 2017, and I have to say, it was the best of the five.

There were some very good performances from the principal characters. Carole Leech was an excellant Fairy, and introduced the Panto, extremely well Bob Needham was a very good Dame Dotty, he delivered his words very well, and managed to get good reaction from the young audience, with ease, not an easy thing to do ,Nicky Diggle was a very good principal boy, she performed with style, in what I always think is a wet part for a lady, although I know its very much a part of pantomime tradition. Adam Atkinson was good as Wally, even dressed as the ‘Where’s Wally’ character. The female leads were all good Kim Little was a fine principal girl, playing Lady Antonio, and I particularly enjoyed Helen Day playing Bridget, her comedy was particularly pleasing. Mark Johnson was very imposing as Giant Blunderdore, and he got round on his stilts very well. Peter Buckley was a good Lord Greenacre, and Denise King and Steve Thompson were well cast as naughty knockabouts Snivel and Cringe. The chorus singing and choreography was very good, and I think that ‘Wonderful Day’ is the best opening chorus for a pantomime there is. I’ve seen quite a number of pantomime cows in my time being involved in amateur theatre, but I have to say the cow in this production was the best and most realistic I have ever seen, she looked fantastic. One small criticism if I may!!!!!.I felt the Glenn Miller dance routine, after the song sheet, although excellently performed,  bore no relevance to the rest of the pantomime, Just my opinion!!, I would imagine the vast majority of the audience loved it.

It was good to see an orchestra playing for the panto, I thought they were excellent, and were very well led by M.D Paul. All the other pantomimes I’ve seen this season have used pre recorded music, what a difference a band makes!!!!!!!. Lighting and sound were very good, well done to the techies, and the scenery suited the stage very well, perhaps the front tabs were used too much ? apart from that the crew did a sterling job, again just my thoughts.

On the whole this was an excellent production from the company, despite my little niggles.  The show ran very smoothly, and was thoroughly enjoyed by young and old alike.Well done to everyone concerned with the production.

I would like to say a big thank you, on behalf of Phyllis and myself. We were made very welcome by the society officials, and the society hospitality was exemplary.

 

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