Author: Bryan Craven

Jack and the Beanstalk was my second visit to see Horbury Pageant Players and what a highly entertaining and happy production it was. What I admire about this talented group is the enthusiasm and total commitment  everyone of them give to provide a show that leaves the audience with a warm glow and a sense of what live theatre is all about, particularly those children attending musical theatre for the first time. Under the skilful direction of Zoe Parkin the cast embraced pantomime and threw themselves into it wholeheartedly. From ensemble members, dancers and Principals alike, the stage was filled with a sea of beaming faces throughout the production. 

The principal line up was impressive, each cast member put their all into their characters. A stand out performance by Jess Allatt as Simple Simon – Jess has a natural stage ability with excellent stage presence who drew the audience in each time she appeared on the stage. Great comic ability and enthusiasm. Emmi Huffinley delivered a confident performance as Simon’s brother, Jack, great interaction with the audience and confident stage presence from this young lady. And what a singing voice she had – a vocal powerhouse. Playing the Principal Girl, Princess Charlotte, was Charlotte Mountain who worked well with Emmi, great interaction and a convincing performance again vocally. Playing Jack and Simon’s “beautiful” mother was Tom Allatt as Dotty Dimple. The Dame is for me an essential character at the heart of every pantomime and Tom delivered this role fantastically. He had exuberance, energy and a great sense of humour and had the natural ability to interact with the audience, delivering the essential innuendoes and over the top  sparkle as a Dame should do. I still find it astonishing that this is only his second time as Dame. And he looked great in the range of over the top costumes – I was delighted to see that he had a number of costume changes this year! Fairy Sugardust, a stunning vision in pink, was elegantly played by Amy Wright, who’s role was to narrate the story. This was a believable performance from this young lady and certainly made a big impression every time she appeared. She handled the rhyming dialogue exceptionally well. And, of course, for every good fairy, there has to be an evil opposite number – Sue Pickering was fantastically evil as Picallilli, great characterisation and facial expressions. Her every appearance illicited the appropriate boos from the audience. She was ably assisted by Emma Proctor as Rancid, the rat catcher. Their duet at the start of Act 2 was particularly “evil”. A special mention to the young dancer who accompanied the duet.

The comic duo were played by Joanna Goldson as Snatchet and Daniel Allatt as Scarper. There was excellent interaction between these two performers who delivered confident performances. The “For Sale” routine was hilarious, as the laughter from the audience showed. King Crumble and Queen Apricot were the overbearing and overprotective parents of Princess Charlotte. These were undertaken to good effect by the talented and effervescent Barry Ottewell and Jo Sykes. Supporting them was their Royal Equerry, Harvey Nicholson, a young man with great potential.

Two key elements of Jack and the Beanstalk are the cow and the giant. The cow, Buttercup, played by Zoe Parkin and Emily Ritchie (not sure who played which half but directing from inside a cow costume must have been a challenge?) was delightful – she looked good and moved well. I’ve seen the giant portrayed in many ways – a voice, just legs, shadows but never an actual moving giant. Huge congratulations to whoever made and operated him.

No show is complete without a strong chorus in this case the villagers/rats all of whom supported and ensured that this pantomime was delivered professionally.

I understand that an incident on opening night meant you were unable to use smoke and pyrotechnics. That is such a shame because they obviously add so much to the visual look of a pantomime. Having said that, the show was still visually stunning – a fabulous UV scene to grow the beanstalk, some fabulous, well fitting, professional standard costumes, courtesy of your wardrobe team, Amy Day, Casey France and Rita Parkin ; lighting and sound were spot on – every moo or slap was timed to perfection. Well done Grant Rayner and Matthew Hampshire (sound) and Matt Roberts (lighting). Often overlooked, but the makeup was stunning, thanks to the team at Get Gorgeous (Karen and Emmi Huffinley and Madison Newton). The team behind the props and set have such skill and imagination – loved the giant’s pantry even before you went into the theatre – from giant cups of Yorkshire tea to a golden harp and hen. Thanks to the team – Barry Ottewell, Arthur Lumb, Ken Sugden and Wayne Goldson. And let’s not forget the backstage team who worked tirelessly, efficiently (& quietly!) all night, under the direction of the Stage Manager, Arthur Lumb – Dean Huffinley, Dan Nicholson, Simon Ingham and Sean McGuigan.

As well as being the front and back of the cow, Zoe Parkin and Emily Ritchie, managed to direct, produce, choreograph and sort out the music. You both should feel very proud of the end product. You only had to listen to the laughter of the audience to realise what a great job you had both done. And you did my favourite routines again – 12 days of Christmas/If I were not in pantomime – both of which had the audience in stitches. Thank you.

Hard work and team work pay off and it’s so good to see that traditional pantomimes are as ever popular  – great entertainment and well delivered, congratulations to everyone on a superb performance and I can’t wait to see you all again next year.