Jack and the Beanstalk
Continued delays to Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre mean that the nearby Civic Centre is now on its third, and probably final, ‘last’ pantomime before demolition. It certainly has produced one enabling the venue to go out on a high.
Philip Armstrong (Dame Trott) in Jack and the Beanstalk at Civic Centre, Aylesbury
Philip Armstrong is a panto powerhouse as Dame Trott, able to change into the next increasingly bizarre costume in the blink of an eye, while on stage amusing the children and delivering a stream of risque banter for the grown-ups to appreciate. Combined with comic turn Terry Gleed’s ability to keep even the tiniest youngster enthralled in the action and Sue Hodge’s linking narration as Fairy Organic, the pace is kept up throughout.
Less successful are romantic leads Chris Till and Janine Pardo, despite good vocal performances. As henchman Fleshcreep, Robert Breslin is suitably demonic and provides plenty of opportunities for the usual boo and hiss moments. Given a solo vocal number at the head of the second act, though, he reveals an impressive voice that provides the musical highlight of the show and leaves one feeling disappointed his talent is not used more throughout.
As in so many versions of Jack and the Beanstalk, the giant himself is the weakest link, but with so many fine performances on stage, the audience cares little.
Production information
- By:
- Keith Simmons and Paul Holman
- Management:
- Paul Holman Associates and Aylesbury Civic Cente
- Cast:
- Sue Hodge, Chris Till, Terry Gleed, Richard Carr, Phillip Armstrong, Janine Pardo, Robert Breslin, Tim Pont, Josh Wilmott, Rudi Last, David North
- Director:
- Mark Piper
- Design:
- Geoffrey Guy
- Costumes:
- Eve Wilkinson
- Choreography:
- Tairo Foo
- Musical direction:
- Keith Paddington Richards
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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