SURELY they won’t be able to get three hundred children, and sensible self respecting adults leaping to their feet and waving their hands in the air while singing a very silly song about a cow?
Yes, they definitely can.
In spades.
South Hill Park’s pantomime, Jack And The Beanstalk, is an absolute riot, and ticks every box on the list of panto essentials:
A dastardly villain capable of insulting the children until they become a giggling, jiggling mass of laughter? Tick.
Plenty of stage smearing mess of all kinds – dry, wet, and sticky? Tick.
Silly jokes, fantastic costumes, a clever set, costume changes that must surely require scaffolding and a team of backstage dressers to achieve? Tick.
Singing, dancing, and a talented chorus of children? Tick.
Puppets, great songs and dance routines? Tick
This show is the perfect example of that joyous, colourful, anarchic explosion that makes for a great pantomime.
Written by sister of Kenneth, Joyce Branagh, the show is bags of fast moving fun.
Appropriately silly, and with some sections in verse, it sees Jack, with a slight twist, and brother Silly Billy, along with their formidably gorgeous mother, Dame Titiana, attempt to make their fortunes by climbing a garden legume.
Rachel Warrick-Clarke as Jack, Michael Ayiotis as Silly Billy, and Paul Toulson as Titiana make a fabulous family trio, working the crowd together effortlessly, with an endearing mixture of charm, cheek, and cheerful banter.
Ben Featherstone as Teddy the forbidden romance causes hearts to flutter, while Adam Jessop as the villain only has to glance at the children in the audience for them to yell at him in delighted outrage.
Amy Rhiannon Worth as both fairy and town official, creates character magic as well as a sprinkling of fairy dust.
Aaliya Bhatti and Keir Buist complete the polished, professional cast of actors.
It’s a very strong company throughout, able to sing, dance, and keep the pantomime moving with precision, skill, energy, and most importantly, with enormous fun.
There are three teams of child performers, who take turns to join the show.
If they are all as good as the night of the Purple Cows, then every show is destined for success.
Like their professional cast members, the children perform difficult dances effortlessly, ooze enthusiasm and energy, and bring joy to the stage.
It’s clear that this is a team that loves what they do.
Director Adam Stafford, musical director Tim Cumper, and choreographer Charlotte Steele have all brought out the very best in their performers.
And set designer Victoria Spearing, costume supervisor Kirsty Rowe, and hair and make-up artist Jo Stringer have ensured that the show looks increasingly fabulous as it progresses.
Lighting designer Michael Brenkley and Sound designer Darren Gould perform visual and aural magic.
If you want to get wet, if you want to laugh out loud – a lot, if you want to be part of a night of abandoned silliness, and if you want to hear three hundred people sing a ridiculous song about a cow at the top of their lungs, get to Bracknell.
Jack And The Beanstalk performs at South Hill Park Arts Centre until New Years Eve, Saturday, December 31.
Performances are six days a week.
Times and days vary, so it is advisable to check the website before booking.
Tickets cost £25.50, and £23.50 for concessions.
For more information visit: www.southhillpark.org.uk
