Jack & the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk by Wales Community Theatre Players was an hilarious production with fabulous comedy, physicality, music and engaging performances from the youngest dancer to the seasoned (or sneezed on) principals.  Written by cast members Lee Phillips and Paul Burgess this was a pacey production which kept the audience engaged throughout.  Director Ashley Booker had put together a production which absolutely brought the best out in the performers and ensured that the story entertained and amused the audience in equal measure.

The cast gave their all to their characters and there was super use of audience participation throughout the production, not just at the usual junctures. Toni Cook as Fairy Sparkle and Ann Mann as Fairy Fleshcreep were the perfect contradictions of each other both in their portrayals of these majestic fairies and in their stunning costumes and characterised mannerisms.   This show abounded with comedy roles and the Players have no trouble in filling them – casting was excellent, with no less than three comedy duos who all complemented the show and added their own brand of hilarity.  Eve Knowles (Potty) and Lucy Hayes (Dotty) had great delivery and strong stage presence, Philip Burgess (Test) and Dave Froggatt (Trace) only had to stand on stage (or in the auditorium) to make the audience start to giggle.  Lee Phillips (Flip) and Dan Schofield (Flop) were a brilliant pairing who utilised the stage and their physicality throughout.  A very clever combination whose quick, clear delivery made the most of some very funny lines in the script.  The Simple Simon role was taken by Paul Burgess who really understood his audience and who was impressive as this silly character – he is clearly a master of this type of role.  His comic timing and energy worked really well with the loveable Dame Trott (Craig Shepherd) who looked the part and was a super Panto Dame - full on, without being over the top – unless necessary!    Joseph Bairstow was the Squire, somewhat evil but believable when he decided to ‘move to the other side’.  Bairstow together with Phillips and Schofield gave a great rendition of ‘Bad Guys’ with some sharp choreography and great rhythm.  

In the title role of Jack was Alison Wade whose strong voice and great character came through as the hero of the story.  Together with Hollie Riley as Princess Mia, they made a lovely couple and everyone was championing them to overcome the Giant.   Scarlett Buxton sang beautifully as the Harp and James Moore played both the Giant and the Chamberlain.  His mastery of the huge Giant costume was very well done as it must have been a challenge to manage the cumbersome attire.  Lynne Schofield was a superb, but bold and bossy Queen Mary against the hen-pecked King Giles who was played by Tom Ingall.  Being a reporter for BBC Look North is clearly excellent preparation for being in a pantomime as Ingall made the role his own and looked incredibly at home on stage.  The script made ‘subtle’ minor reference’s to Ingall’s day job, but not too much to take away from the work of the whole team on stage.  The references just added to the many funny and topical comments in the script.

Molly the Cow stole the show with her huge eye lashes and synchronized moo-vement (that’s not a typo!).  Unfortunately, Anna Kozak wasn’t able to perform on the night of the review, but Luke Harriott worked very with Nerissa Jordan to engender support for this adorbale pantomime cow.

The singing and musical numbers were very enjoyable and a stand-out moment for me was Hollie Riley singing “I Need A Hero” surrounded by dancers.  The Adult Chorus worked well throughout the show and were embedded in the production - It really felt like they were the villagers or henchman’s slaves, not simply an add on to fill the stage.  Great choreography by Claire Harriott in all the production numbers.  I particularly enjoyed  “If I Knew You Were Coming” where the youngest members of the chorus smiled and sang to the delight of everyone in the auditorium – there were lots of expressive faces – just what is needed in a pantomime.  Wales CTP have a great group of youngsters who they are clearly supporting and giving wonderful opportunities too – definitely some stars of the future in the Junior and Senior Chorus line-ups.  Congratulations to MD David Burgess and his six-piece band - the live music was wonderful and there was strong singing throughout.

The mix of traditional backcloths and hi-tech projections worked well in this venue.  From entry into the theatre where the proscenium arch was decorated with a beanstalk and the title projected onto the curtain it was clear that a lot of time and resources had gone into a set that was going to really add to the story, not just hang there in the background. The amazing beanstalk, which was the full height of the theatre, was just begging to be climbed. The use of moving projections for the immortals and the growth of the beans was very cleverly played and did not detract from the performers.  The props were excellent, particularly in the giant’s house.  Costumes were very colourful with a stunning blue and silver finale.  Lighting and sound were to a very high standard with the added bonus of pyrotechnics and wonderful finale canons. 

The end of Act 2 was incredibly moving as the full cast sang, danced and signed “Show Me Love” - excellent choreography.  The full-on finale included a reprise of ‘Everyone’s Talking About Panto’ which Wales had devised during lockdown and was an internet success.  However, in person, with the emotion and power of live pantomime this was a very appropriate end to a super show.

The biggest accolade for a pantomime is the love emanating from the audience and everyone around this reviewer was having a wonderful time, particularly the children whose screams and screeches could probably be heard back in Rotherham.  Congratulations to everyone involved – a fabulous production and an energetic and engaging return to the stage.  

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