This week Audlem Theatre Group are bringing magic and sparkle to the stage with Jack & the Beanstalk, and I was lucky enough to be invited along to watch their final dress rehearsal at the Public Hall over the weekend.
Written and directed by Laurence Shillito, the show had all the traditional aspects that audiences expect from a pantomime.
There was singing, dancing, jokes, audience participation and plenty of laughter. Did I mention jokes? If not, be prepared, this show is full of them.
One of the things I love about watching shows produced by local theatre groups is the enthusiasm and passion the cast put into their performance, and everyone in this show seemed to shine on stage.
The younger members of the group did brilliantly with all the dance routines and brought lots of energy and life into the show as the chorus.
Tom Bottomley was well cast as Jack, who gave a confident and strong performance as the lovable panto hero.
I loved the character of Jill, a feisty Princess played by Emma Morris, who ends up saving the day.
Steve Leonard played the flamboyant and colourful Nanny Tickle, who had the audience in hysterics throughout.
Credit also has to go to Isla Rowe, who played Daisy the cow and acted as narrator.
I enjoyed watching Jackson Hodgkins as Kevin, the giant’s henchman who was continually trying to keep the minions under control whilst following the giants orders.
Standout performances also came from the guardsmen Ewan and Hymn played by Imogen Elliot and Rose Shaw-Adams, who were a great comic double act.
The costume and the set backdrops looked fabulous, and the script was probably one of the most original I’ve seen performed in a long time, with plenty of local and contemporary references.
Congratulations to all those involved in producing a fabulous show.
If you’re looking for a family friendly, fun show to watch I highly recommend this.
Jack & The Beanstalk is running from Wednesday 28th until Saturday 31st January.
This is the first time I’d seen anything produced by Audlem Theatre Group, their level of professionalism and production values was exceptional and I look forward to seeing further productions by them later in the year.
(Review by Claire Faulkner)
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