Guest Blog – Jack and the Beanstalk Review – By Lawrence Teague

Guest Blog – Jack and the Beanstalk Review – By Lawrence Teague 

“The Courtyard’s 2014/15 production of Jack and the Beanstalk once again fulfills all the essential elements which make a pantomime a resounding success.

“Lyndsay Maples has crafted an imaginative script with numerous local references; Mark Walters has devised colourful costume designs and dazzling sets and Phillip Aiden’s fantastic choreography, which even hypercritical Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel-Horwood might well deem: ‘FAB – U- LOUS’; and new musical director Henry Burnett has put together a lively, contemporary score.

“Fundamental to a successful show is an an engaging dame and first-time Dame Jason Marc-Williams fills that role admirably.

“Villain Craig Painting (whose character is named Clarkson!) can be well satisfied with the sustained boos that greets his every entrance, while Dario Cacioppo as Jack and Catriona MacKenzie as Jill are a charming pairing. Jack’s lovable cow Delilah is the cente of one slapstick scene which was particularly well received and the juvenile chorus of Pips and Pods blended well with the professional performers. Pantomime depends on interaction with the audience more than any other theatrical genre and this company certainly acheived that with the appreciative one I sat with. Director Estelle van Warmelo continues to stage pantomimes thoroughly enjoyable for all ages”.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at The Courtyard until 4 January 2015 you can book tickets online