Chardstock's Jack & The Beanstalk

Chardstock Amateur Dramatic Society present

Jack and the Beanstalk

Managing to get through Boarder Control I now enter the outskirts of Devon. It is at Chardstock Village Hall that CADS are performing their 36^th pantomime. It’s Jack and the Beanstalk this year. The script was written by Alan P. Frayn and directed by Jen Parker. Having played Dottie Dimple with the same script a few years ago I was well aware of its storyline and was hoping to be treated to a fun packed evening. I was not to be disappointed.

I received a giant friendly welcome from the team and a giant goody bag too! Far to generous but thank you so much.

A good comprehensive programme listed all scenes and musical numbers. Exactly what I like to see.

All actors showed real commitment and energy. There was much to enjoy from this enthusiast troupe. You certainly have many young stars in the making including the talents of Jack and the magic of Fairy Sugardust sprinkling her dust at every opportunity. Dame Dottie Dimple certainly had the audience on ‘her’ side with all the wolf whistles when entering with a new rig and wig. Simple Simon gave an amazing energetic performance ensuring the audience never to forget him being simple. By contrast Piccalilli and Rancid were a pair you would not want to socialise with down at the Poppe Inn. Nasty creatures they most certainly were.

Congratulations to comedy duo Snatchet and Scarper. You worked well together and were not distracted when the fire alarm went off! We never saw the arrival of Flack, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grubb from Trumpton Fire Station so assume the flames were kept under control backstage!!

I loved the regal pair too and King Crumble, in my opinion, was the star of this show. You just nailed it. I hope to see more of you in future productions.

Well done to everyone who had smaller roles too, especially the chorus. You had some lovely slick numbers and your dance routines were very enjoyable indeed.

Comedy was in abundance including the milking of Buttercup and lots of mess in the bakery (exactly as it should be) but the comedic highlight for me without doubt was ‘I love Sausage Rolls’. Very funny indeed.

Sets were extremely pleasing and appropriate. In particular I enjoyed the UV and its story. A lot of time had gone into making this scene believable. All other scenes were swiftly and silently changed thanks to the talents of the black gang.

However, I am a stickler when it comes to wearing ‘bling’ on stage other than the Queen perhaps, I find it distracting. For future productions a professional touch would be to remove rings, earrings and necklaces or cover rings with a plaster if possible.

On opening night it was evident your audience was having a wail of a time. They were with you all of the way, as was I.

Thank you CADS for a most enjoyable evening. It’s a giant

fums up from me! Well done to you all.

Nigel Ford

Moderator