Summary
A cleverly written script with very funny dialogue of jokes innuendos and double entendres, some outrageous characters, good scenery, costumes, lighting and sound, all delivered by a happy cast to as enthusiastic audience as you could wish for at a pantomime. A first class evening out. Congratulations to the Club and the show’s Director Sara Stickland.

Report
The show opened with the outrageous Dame Dangle clambering over the audience on her way to the stage to deliver a string of jokes that had the audience laughing. Could there be any better way to start a panto? The evening proceeded with quick fire dialogue, jokes that could be appreciated on a number of different levels [as well as some that went over the heads of some members of the audience], sharp ad libs, song, dance, silly costumes, evil baddies, an exploding giant, some crazy characters and a hero. The other vital ingredient of course is a vocal and willing audience. What more could you ask for in a pantomime?

The story was loosely although professionally constructed around the traditional plot of Jack and the Beanstalk with some minor additions. The writing of Paul Johnson was of a very high standard, witty and engaging. It provided the platform for excellent characterisation. Dame Dangle was as entertaining a panto central character as I have seen. Keith Barnes was irrepressibly funny and quick. His rapport with the audience was excellent, just when it seemed that the boys and girls were going to win the battle of dominance he was able to step in and assert his rightful position of authority.

Dame Dangle was ably supported by the various characters all of whom stayed in character, played to the audience and were entertaining. Mark Stannett conveyed Jack, the almost reluctant hero, with a controlled confidence. Jill delivered some wonderful mis-delivered [if that is the right way of describing it] dialogue that was truly funny but took considerable skill by Paula Fitzgerald to perform as well as she did. Ken Stench was a part that might at first glance seemed to have been a minor part but the scope for scene stealing was fully developed by Ian Pring in a fine performance. We loved you Ken! Eamonn O’Reilly was the cheeky Slack Alec in his beautifully colour co-ordinated outfit as gay a farm hand as you could imagine

Patricia the Cow was well played by Chris Cummings and Jo Corris in the right place at the right time and leaving no doubt as to their feelings at various times such as the proposed visit to the butchers. Ada Halley was the stereotypical lady of the manor with its wonderful name. Lian Downes was a lovely fairy in her tutu who provided the perfect solution to everybody’s troubles and provided some delightful choreography. The baddies Wizard Weirdly [David Russell] Mr Snivel [David Jackson] and Mr Snott [Amanda Clarke] are perhaps the most important characters: they were left in no doubt of their success by the volume of booing and hissing that they receive from the audience; it was deservedly deafening! In many ways the most difficult role of the panto to deal with is that of the giant’s wife. Sharron Stubbs played the part well and convinced the audience that the giant was easily going to defeat Jack and his helpers.

The costumes, lighting, sound and scenery all added significantly to the evening particularly the pieces that depicted the giant. The technical aspect of the show that needs a special mention however was the standard of the backdrop. By day we saw a rural idyll with a picket fence, fluffy sheep and three wells. By night through clever use of luminous paint there was a ‘moonlit’ rural idyll complete with moonlight being reflected off the picket fence.

The Front Of House team were attentive and well presented as was the catering team. I thought that your handbill and programme were once again simple yet striking. I noticed that the programme included information on the Club, background to the panto story and a list of previous pantos all of which I think adds to the audience’s enjoyment of the show particularly puzzle on the back page.

An excellent evening's entertainment that endorsed the concept of live theatre, congratulations to the company and your Director Sara Stickland.