Jack & the Beanstalk

The sets looked good and worked well making changes of scenes quick and effective. The props worked well and the costumes were gorgeous .The sound and lighting complimented the atmosphere of each scene.

I loved the script which was very funny for all characters. The show was well directed by Emma Fairhurst in her first outing as Director. The dances looked good and the nippers were fabulous, all smiling and performing beautifully. The songs chosen were mainly modern pop songs but fitted the scenes and characters well. The MD and band sounded great and never overpowered the actors.

The chorus members including the nippers all looked to be having a good time and the audience responded well to them. There were some nice harmonies and lovely dancers who had wonderful stage presence.

Barbara Whitaker was great as Vegetable Fairy and I loved her costumes and make up. Her diction was clear and well projected. Her helpers, Rachel Lyon as Honey Dew and Kate Murphy as Swede put in nice performances to compliment those scenes. Alisha Greening and Maddie Dean as Buttercup the cow were great and I loved the dance scenes.

Lisa Griffiths choreographed the show but also put in a fabulous performance as Mrs Blunderbore the giants wife. Her delivery was great playing it almost as Mrs Lovitt from Sweeney Todd and she relished the boo’s thrown at her. Her songs were well delivered and her dance moves looked super. Her sidekick Fleshcreep was beautifully portrayed by Brandon Stokes who portrayed the sneaky baddie on his knees with great humour which flowed naturally.

Neeve Dilworth was a lovely Jill Crumble and had a beautiful singing voice on her numbers. She did well in the freeze scenes especially having foam pies thrown at her. Alex Hayden played Jack and the two of them looked and performed really well together appearing more mature than their years. Alex had a fabulous stage presence and his vocals were stunning.

Emma Benson performed with expertise as Simple Simon with excellent comic delivery of funny lines and vocals which sounded great. Her ease in ad libbing and interaction with the audience seemed really natural and enjoyable.

The important casting of the Dame and the final piece in the pantomime jigsaw was played brilliantly by Andrew Marsh as Dame Tilly Trott. Andrew looks far too comfortable in those dresses but his comic timing especially with the audience is wonderful to watch. A very funny and infectious performance.

The show was very well put together by Emma, Joe and Lisa and clearly everyone had a great time on stage and no doubt in rehearsals too. The nippers are a credit to the society and always looked professional and fun filled. Well done to all involved with this show which the audience and I thoroughly enjoyed.

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