JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: Clements, Derby Playhouse, till 19 January

Derby

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: Mark Clements
Playhouse: Tkts 01332 363275
Runs: 2h 50m, one interval, till Sat 19 January
Review: Rod Dungate, 1 January 2001

An energetic traditional pantomime with all the right ingredients, for a few hours you get the welcome feeling that all's right with the world
Mark Clements's version of Jack and the Beanstalk hits the spot of what a traditional pantomime should be – outrageous, brash, a sprinkling of topical references (but only one to a Soap), standard bits of business and enough story to string them all together in a following wind. Aided and abetted by Hannah Chissick, Clements's co-director, and a highly energetic cast, this seasonal concoction is just what the doctor ordered to keep winter chill at bay (for old and young.)

Most impressive among the committed acting company are three veritable dynamos who produce electricity in seemingly endless supply – John Jardine (Dame Mary Trott), Pete Dunwell (Simple Simon) and Nick Haverson (Ivor G Bogey – the G standing for Green!) Yep, you get the picture.

Jardine, in successively more OTT outfits (eventually rechristening Dame Trott Lara as she goes off to battle with the Giant) engages wholeheartedly with all the tomfoolery of this travesty role to the considerable delight of, importantly, children and adults. Jardine has identified two sorts of humour – laugh and groan – and he's a master of both. Dunwell – a chunky chappie – must be shedding several pounds during this run since he's never still for more than two seconds together. Haverson (Chief Villain) writhes, lurches, snarls and thrusts his way through his role gaining giant belly laughs from the children as he digs deep into his nose for a juicy greenie – 'A nice little snack for later.' (Haverson is an actor to watch out for, I recently saw him create a deeply passionate and distressed Mercutio at Stoke.)

I love all the standard business. Performed with such commitment as it has here, it attains a freshness that keeps it alive whether it be milking Daisy, a skeleton chase in a castle or a cream pie sequence.

Clements and Chissick ensure the action never stops, there's a wonderful, huge, Giant (Design Chris Crosswell) and witty costumes (Colin Mayes). Watching Beanstalk, all felt very right with the world – a most welcome feeling.

Cast:
Princess Rose: Helen Anker
Scarecrow/ Cow/ Page: Andy Brady
Giant: Andy Brady/ Phil Lowe
Simple Simon Trott: Pete Dunwell
King Bertram of Borrowash: Frank Ellis
Fairy Sweet Pea: Penny-Belle Fowler
Ivor G Bogey: Nick Haverson
Dame Mary Trott: John Jardine
Jack Trott: Rebecca Stokes

Directors: Mark Clements, Hannah Chissick
Design: Chris Crosswell
Costume Design: Colin Mayes
Choreographer: Sam Spencer-Lane
Musical Director: Steve Pritchett
Lighting: Alexandra Stafford
Sound: Nick Greenhill

2002-01-01 20:38:50