A big thank you to Graeme and Sally Johnston for this guest review
At this time of year there are certain traditions that are mandatory. Whether it be a lovingly adorned tree, singing carols together or even a family feast of turkey and trimmings there is also the seasonal pantomime. Panto comes with its own traditions, this year’s offering of Jack in the Beanstalk from Haverhill Arts Centre that crams them all in to a fast-moving, lively romp with enough content to keep both young and old entertained throughout.
Celena Cherry, of Honeyz fame, introduced the show playing the Good Fairy Honey. Her amazing voice set the tone for the remainder of the show. We were also introduced to the ensemble at this point. The junior chorus was provided by the students from the Lisa Mason School of Dance, Haverhill. What was immediately apparent was that they were not only on point with the dance moves, but they had also perfected the facial expressions for a panto, not always the case with young performers, and this really enhanced the production. Well done to all involved!
The show also benefitted from multiple references to the town, Haverhill, which was a nice touch. The audience were introduced to the principal cast, which were led with vigour and enthusiasm by Sinéad Mathias-Medeiros as Jack Trott, the hero of the piece, and their best friend Daisy Trott the cow, played with great energy by Aaron Blackburn. It was a lovely twist having the traditional ‘host’ role played by an animal character, thereby creating greater sympathy for Daisy as he was sold later in the act.
Of course, every panto needs a Dame and Dame Trott was brought to us by the gifted Michael Heslop, his second visit to Haverhill Arts Centre. His facial expressions and delivery of a stream of fast paced gags really kept the audience enthralled. The Dame’s costumes were also spot on and added to the humour.
The villain of the show, Fungus Fleshcreep, was brought to life by the also returning David Learner, who clearly relished his role as the stooge of the Giant, utilising the familiar vocal talents of East Anglia’s very own Stephen Fry. The love interest for Jack, Jill Kindheart, was brilliantly played by Jodie Corbett who captured the essence of the role perfectly. The lead cast was completed by Jills’s brother, Simple Simon, played by Magic Kai, who utterly wowed and engaged the audience with his amazing illusions.
The set was built in the traditional touring play style of cloth curtains which both pulled across the stage and flew down from the rigging. Not only were they very effective but showed consideration to a sustainable production too. The single “3D” moment was the unveiling and the real-time growth of the magic beanstalk which was brilliantly executed.
Act 2 was barely under way when we were introduced to the (almost!) organised chaos of the highpoint of the show, a rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” with the cast being led by Dame Trott. This replaced the traditional “messy scene” within in a panto formula, and in my mind, this was much more effective and faster moving. The audience, and some of the performers, were in stitches. At this point tribute must be paid to the musicians who managed to fit the timing of the song around the madness occurring on the stage. Bravo!
The act raced towards the inevitable conclusion of the baddies defeat, a rousing audience participation scene with great interaction of young audience members and a grand wedding finale. Upon the final wave and curtain down, you were left with the feeling that you wanted more. More fun, more gags and more silliness from an accomplished cast familiar with their roles and each other under the expert direction of Dan Schumann who clearly understands what makes this festive tradition work.
Congratulations to all on stage supported so well by those behind the scenes and in the experienced hands of the Haverhill Arts Centre technical team. A Christmas treat to be enjoyed by theatre goers of all generations.
Jack And The Beanstalk at Haverhill Arts Centre runs until 24th December 2024 – tickets are available online at the Haverhill Arts Centre Website or call the Box Office on 01440 714140
Produced and Directed Dan Schumann
Musical Director Joseph Hall
Choreographer Jessica Clifford
SUFFOLK THEATRE 