* The cast belt out one of the opening numbers of Jack and the Beanstalk.
From the seeds of a clever script, a talented cast and some
catchy songs the Llangollen Pantomime Group have grown a very healthy version
of Jack and the Beanstalk, which opened at the Town Hall last night (Thursday).
And it’s a welcome return for them after a gap of three
years due to the pandemic. They're also clearly delighted to be back in the same venue after quite a few years appearing at the Pavilion.
That
script, full of cheeky one-liners many of them with local references in the
best panto tradition, comes courtesy of Dave Lyne who also provides one of the
show’s most endearing characters, Simon, the sweet-natured and fun brother of
Jack, finder of the magic seeds which produce the mighty beanstalk.
That
talented and versatile cast of 28 also features a panto star in the making in
the young shape of Austin Forkin who takes the title role. His capability
stretches way beyond his years and he seems certain to appear in more Llangollen
productions.
Those
songs, most of which have the desired effect of getting the audience clapping
and singing along, are backed by a skilful five-piece band including the Belton
sisters, Helen and Jayne, along with Stuart Dillon (guitar), James Barber
(bass) and Barrie Roberts (drums).
Providing
strong support to Jack and Simon are Niki Davies-Bottomley as Simon’s sweetheart
Sally and Neil Barrett as town mayor Keddie – there’s one of those local
references – and Sue O’Neill as the Fairy Godmother.
Another
powerful performance comes from Chris Phillips as Jack and Simon’s mum Mrs McDonald,
a true panto harridan with a big heart.
Steve
Hughes turns in a towering portrayal of the Giant whose lair the brothers must
raid for gold and to free from captivity Alice, played by both Katie Siddall
and Frankie Williams, Jack’s love interest.
Sophie
Siddall and Jo Potts team up as the perfect baddies, Councillor Rough and
Councillor Tumble.
Behind
them is a whole bunch of youngsters playing the villagers, farm animals,
bluebirds and night time creatures.
And
drawing lots of oohs and aahs from the audience are Mya Rees-Jones and Eva
Mallinson as Daisy of the Cow.
The
show is a credit to director Louise Lyne and her assistant David Lyne, producer
Samantha Fletcher and musical director Helen Belton and the rest of the
enormous back-stage team who provide the excellent and highly colourful sets
and costumes.
Jack
and the Beanstalk runs at the Town Hall tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm with two
shows tomorrow (Saturday), one of which is the 2pm matinee.
I
understand tickets, priced at £9 and £7 concessions, have been selling fast but
hopefully you can still book online by scanning the barcode on the poster, by
calling the group secretary on 01978 860297, or by calling at Dee Valley
Produce (01978 861805).
* Mrs McDonald and Simon.
* The Mayor with the baddie councillors.
* A towering performance from the Giant.
* Jack, Daisy the Cow, Mrs McDonald, Sally and Simon.
* The seeds are handed over to Jack by the disguised Fairy Godmother.
* The Mayor and daughter Sally.
* Simon gets the audience singing along.
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