The Highcliffe Charity Players presented the classic pantomime to nearly 500 audience members. The show was a modernised adaptation of the classic story.
When Jack’s family struggle to pay their taxes, Jack and his sister ‘Silly Sally’ venture out to another town to sell their beloved cow ‘Daisy.’ A ‘strange woman’ appears and offers them magic beans as payment for their cow. Their mother Dame Trott was not best pleased and threw the beans out of the window in outrage. Little did she know they were magic and they awoke the next day to a huge beanstalk outside.
Jack climbs the beanstalk in search for treasure so that he can pay off his family’s debt. But he did not expect there to be a hungry giant up there to greet him.
Co-writers Stephen Hutt and Michael Duke incorporated plenty of topical jokes. These included jokes about Brexit and Harry and Meghan -keeping the parents entertained. The Seven Dwarfs and the characters from the Wizard of Oz made an appearance but you’ll have to attend to find out how!
Choreographer Tilly Ingle and costume designers Leo’s Theatrical Costumer’s & co. brought some glamour to the stage with numbers like ‘Fabulous Baby!’ by using feathers and sparkly dresses in a cabaret style. The costumes for the giant and the cow were excellent. Dame Trott’s fittings were a key element of her character and brought her to life.
The Musical Director Stuart Darling chose some unexpected numbers for example ‘Proud Mary’ which was a fantastic performance by character ‘Silly Sally’ and ensemble. He also managed to fit ‘Bad Guy’ by Billie Eilish into a pantomime and make it work, which was unique.
‘Silly Sally,’ was a fun, lovable and engaging character, who the children in the audience loved, and the adults also enjoyed.
The whole production brought together a lot of professional elements. There were memorable strobe lights, confetti canons, dry ice, smoke effects and great props.
Buzz would recommend attending for a fun evening out to make the January blues a bit more bearable. The show is full of many surprises and has a strong message for girls in the audience – that they can be whatever they want to be!
Performances continue until the 25th January and tickets are still available throughout the week.
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