Jack and the BeanstalkSUCCESS, it is said, breeds success. If that is the case, Plumpton Pantomime Society has reached the pinnacle of success.
This year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk has to be the liveliest, most colourful and vibrant of its performances that I have seen in what must be approaching two decades. We are not talking about a ‘village production’, we are again reflecting upon what many professionals would envy.
Sets, costume design, lighting, special effects, the lot, were to the highest standard and provided the perfect setting to the performances of some very talented players. This, of course, was all put together through the masterly direction of young Emma Thomas.
This year’s performance had a particular vibrancy, not least because of the choice of some very upbeat music, but also because of the way in which performers rose to the occasion.
At the heart of the performance were that unstoppable duo of Duncan Taylor-Jones and Paul Kluge. Duncan was the archetypal dame, Dotty Dibble and Paul Kluge, her son Simple Simon. These two can never fail to engage, no to captivate their audiences. Perfect timing, performance and, particularly when dictated by audience participation, ad-libbing.
Jack, the beanstalk climber, brother of Simple Simon and hero of the plot was confidently played by Minnie Taylor-Jones who captured the heart of Princess Primrose, another talented youngster, Joanna Thomas (remember the surname).
The young Diane Lane masterfully turned into the wicked witch (Piccalilli) and had everyone booing to the end. Her opposite was the charming Fairy Sugardust, Dominique Uridge, who naturally emerged the winner.
Another winner was the veteran Peter Jones as the detestable Rancid the Ratman, henchman to Piccalilli.
A talented couple of youngsters came in the form of Snatchet and Scarper, the baliff’s men, played by Jake Thorpe and Lizzie White.
The King and Queen were more than ably played by Charles Wycherley and Linda Thomas (see what I mean about the name?), whilst their attendant Humphrey (Graham Meheaux) showed his true age!
That evil giant, Buster Gut-Bucket, came very convincingly in the form of Dave Rankin. Who else in the village could fill those shoes? Carol Grant’s little dancers were, as always, captivating.
The cast of Mamma Mia should be shaking in their shoes following the musical interlude featuring the music of Abba. Duncan in that figure-hugging, blue, sequinned outfit, blonde wig and the cap would have been a match for any zany impersonators of the group. The rest of the cast also came at the very least up to standard.
The cast displayed their talents admirably, but full credit must also be due to director Emma, who introduced a youthful exuberance that only spelled success.
Producer was Malcolm Elliott who was also in the male chorus. The whole team on stage, backstage, front of house deserve the highest accolade.
The much hackneyed ‘Oh yes I am’ and ‘Oh no you’re not’ also received some variation this year and the audience responded without hesitation.
Plumpton Pantomime Society has long been famous for having something special and this year members excelled themselves.
Reg Stone
