 |
The Nomads' production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Nomad Theatre in East Horsley was a delight from beginning to end. Writer, Nomad member Peter Forbes, must be congratulated for producing an expert combination of the ridiculous, exciting, funny and spectacular.
Particularly inspirational was the introduction of a work experience fairy godmother (Jemma Brodie) who failed miserably to speak in rhyme regardless of how obvious the
couplets were.
It was refreshing to see a chorus of such vast age range so animated and involved in the action. Credit must go to director Damien de Roche, musical director Lindsay Macaulay and choreographer Nicky Bentley for bringing ensemble scenes and musical numbers to life as well as to the cast themselves for their energy, enthusiasm and ability. Particularly noteworthy were Claire Derriman for keeping so still for so long as the giant's harp. Elaine Burns as the grizzly cook and Wendy Hempkin for her rendition of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."
There was not a weak link among the principal characters but special commendation must be given to Amber Chandler for her highly comedic performance as Silly Sally, Jack's younger sister. Naomi Brandon-Jones, with her powerful singing voice, was perfect as the herotic, thigh-slapping dreamer Jack. Jill, effortlessly played by Nicky Pink, towered over Jack provided excellent comic opportunities. Paul Evans made a convincing and entertaining dame, interacting easily with the audience.
Sarah Phillpot and Zoe Triantafillou were beautifully understated as the squire's stupid servants, Hairball and Dogbreath, whilst Tim Spencer brought a delightful touch of camp to the evil Grotweasel, the giant's henchman. One of my favourite moments was the expression of dejected melancholy on the face of the fairy greatgodmother (Judy Tweedale) as she left for her Saga holiday. However, the real star of the show was Daisy the Cow (Antonia de Roche and Mat Goldhawk) who miked the audience for both sympathy and laughs!
Technically pantomime always presents challenges and these were well and truly risen to by the Nomads. The costumes (Antonia de Roche and Jill Evans), larger than life set and props (Roger Brandon-Jones and Lisa Arnold), sound and lighting (Charles Hope and Alison Brandon-Jones) and slick stage management (Andy Nice) all gelled to create a colourful and effective complement to the action. Special praise is due for the ingeniously designed beanstalk which grew, was climbed and subsequently cut down all in full view of the audience.
In all this was a highly enjoyable evening - a superb mix of all the traditional pantomime ingredients which, mixed together, made for a lot of fun for all ages.
Tail Piece:
The distinguished author of the panto, who normally doesn't give interviews, relented recently and told our reporter that he thought the end result was "the dog's whatsits", and that "all them actors and that done brilliant."
But he was upset by the date '1961' on the village pub. He said that even a cursory reading at the text would have revealed to the most mentally challenged amoungst us the many, perhaps occasionally subtle, references embedded therein which signal quite clearly that the piece was set in the late 1500s. "That's all I wanted to say," he said.  |
 |