It's panto time already! Well, not really, but it seems that any school holiday is excuse enough these days for producers to think about putting on a pantomime. It spoils the anticipation and part of the whole Christmas package if you ask me, but if it gets bums on seats, then it is mission accomplished!
And so, for the schools' half term holidays St Helens and Regal Entertainments have produced 'Jack And The Beanstalk', the panto that was - in a much smaller way shown online during our pandemic lockdowns - is now fully produced and live on stage.
And so, for the schools' half term holidays St Helens and Regal Entertainments have produced 'Jack And The Beanstalk', the panto that was - in a much smaller way shown online during our pandemic lockdowns - is now fully produced and live on stage.
It's a brash, colourful, fun affair; clearly in the traditional panto spirit, although without some of pantomimes more recognisable and genre-defining banter (oh yes it was!); but the cast gave their all to this show which featured colourful painted sets, a dazzling array of costume changes, pyrotechnics, smoke, a brilliant UV sequence, and up-beat contemporary song and dance numbers.
It took a long while for it to get going this afternoon; in fact, the second act was far superior. I do believe there are reasons for this. First, the costume and character of Fleshcreep was by no means scary or evil enough. She was dressed as a princess, long blond hair and beautiful, and even her acting was far from "boo-hiss" material. Second, the act was a little too long for their target audience; and third, there was precious little within the act for the target audience (young children) to latch onto by way of interaction and jokes. Yes, Dame Trott had not one but two catchphrase-responses with the audience and Simple Simon had a third, but in terms of physicality and jokes, the vast majority of the jokes were 'adult' jokes and although would not have been understandable by the children, they were given nothing in replacement. The jokes which were for the children were said quickly and not given chance to land - this meant that the show had moved on and the joke was missed. This is panto, what would have been wrong with repeating the joke very slowly and waiting, even coaxing, a response? The cast were all obviously very talented and had all performed in this style of show before, all able to ad lib as necessary, so I was uncertain as to why all the jokes were said in rapid-fire style and no-one laughed at most of them. For pantomime and children's shows I always make a point of watching the audience more than I would normally; and during act 1 most of the children were fidgeting and bored. Not so for act two though...
The second act was much slicker, and much more in traditional panto mode. Fleshcreep had been given a black costume to wear and the children eagerly booed her now. The ghost routine was feautured and was the highlight, kickstarting the children into the two-way exchange that the panto should have been at right from the start. The 'America Dress' and the localising of 'Me Ol' Bamboo' were both highlights.
The second act was much slicker, and much more in traditional panto mode. Fleshcreep had been given a black costume to wear and the children eagerly booed her now. The ghost routine was feautured and was the highlight, kickstarting the children into the two-way exchange that the panto should have been at right from the start. The 'America Dress' and the localising of 'Me Ol' Bamboo' were both highlights.
Technically (apart from the sound levels being set far too high! - why do I always find myself writing this with every musical show I attend??) everything was excellent; although a few of the costumes were a little suspect for a children's panto. The four chorus dancers wore at one point in the show a kind of skirt which seemed to be suspended half-way down their legs by small chains thus revealing their knickers for the whole dance. The fairy's costume was not traditional fairy, and as I have already mentioned, Fleshcreep was dressed far from what the costume her name and character dictates.
The standard of acting, singing (backing tracks were used throughout) and dancing from all 6 cast members as well as the 6 ensemble (and the two inside the cow!) was excellent. They all looked and felt right for the genre, and what little interaction they did have with the audience was well handled. The "song-sheet" was lovely [a nice idea to have ticket winners rather than just asking for people].
A good, enjoyable and well crafted show which could so easily have been a great show.
And finally, the theatre itself. The Theatre Royal has a warm and friendly atmosphere, and all the staff are more than happy to help.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
A good, enjoyable and well crafted show which could so easily have been a great show.
And finally, the theatre itself. The Theatre Royal has a warm and friendly atmosphere, and all the staff are more than happy to help.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 23.10.21
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