Jack and the Beanstalk

Published Wednesday 9 January 2008 at 16:30 by Lee Wilkinson

With Debbie Saloman’s spirited Fairy Tinkle My Bell and James Lavender’s devilish Fleshcreep opening proceedings, this seasonal offering gets off to a bright start.

Andrew Stone displays his neat dancing agility and is in good voice as Jack, while Victoria Gavin as Jill shows her considerable singing capacity.

Hard-working popular local character George Critchley easily slots into the role of the zany Silly Billy, and provides some neat interaction with the younger members of the audience.

Tim Pope’s Dame Dolly Dimplebottom supplies suitably foolish support, with Terry Ashe making a positive contribution as the somewhat forlorn King.

Although enacted mainly in a traditional manner, the script effectively incorporates some topical local references with a modern flavour.

A well-chosen selection of popular songs to suit all age groups are smartly performed by different members of the cast, and dancers from the East Lancashire School of Dancing look lithe and accomplished in their various movements.

A hilarious sequence featuring the rendering of a corruption of the carol The Twelve Days of Christmas had the audience roaring with laughter at the tomfoolery on stage.

Perhaps not too polished a performance, but certainly good festive family fun with a winning approach.