The stars of of Jack and the Beanstalk were, from left, Rowan Lathey, James Goodman, Nathan Mellor, Amy Bird and Dominic Pope. Picture by Robin Crossley.
STAGE REVIEW
THE audience went potty over the pantomime dame at Stage by Stage’s Christmas performance of Jack and the Beanstalk.
People of all ages fell in love with the hilarious Dame Pott, played by Dominic Pope, who wrote and directed the show, performed by a professional cast at Shanklin Theatre.
Written in a way the humour could be enjoyed by adults and children, Stage by Stage’s annual festive pantomime once again pulled out all the stops.
James Goodman, famed for being the son of Strictly Come Dancing judge, Len Good-man, was excellent as Jack, who, in the process of falling for Jill, superbly played by Laura Sharrocks, tried to stop the evil giant.
Amy Bird as Silly Billy, and Nathan Mellor, who could only be described as the Blue Man, because in every role he played he looked like a smurf, both had the audience in stitches throughout the show.
Rowan Lathey added a magical touch with her performance as the Flower Fairy, while Traci Porter, was brilliant as the evil pantomime villain, Fleshcreep.
The dancers, Michelle Davis, Charlotte Morris, Jayne Morris, Stacey Ruth and Leah West, performed a series of impressive routines, aided by the chorus and younger members of the dancing team.
Stand-out scenes included the school classroom, skeleton dance, and a familiar favourite, the bubble bath fight, which this year was contested by Jack and Dame Pott.
Some of the stage props were outstanding, particularly the giant, plus Daisy the cow and the goose.
And not forgetting the beanstalk, which, despite the fact it could be heard by the audience when it was being put up backstage, was very impressive, especially as Jack was literally able to climb up it.
The band, on view above the stage, also added to the spectacle.
The audience definitely got good value for money and it is hoped the uncertainty over Shanklin Theatre’s future can be resolved, to ensure there will be another Stage by Stage panto next year.
Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk