Jack and the Beanstalk (Star-Struck Theatre Company)

Yes it's Panto Time and a journey up the beanstalk with Jack to rescue the Princess, what could be more traditional as Star-Struck Theatre Company played to a packed house at the Dormston Theatre in Sedgley. Audience took a little warming-up but, this was completed in style by Richard Probert's ostentatious and strangely feminine Dame Madonna Trott (I was hoping for a chorus or two of 'Like A Virgin' but, sadly that wasn't forthcoming) and her 'one bean short of a beanstalk' son Simple Simon, a virtuoso comedy performance from Ashley Wilkes.

At this point I simply have to mention the musicians, Rob Murray (Musical Director & Keyboards), Sunim Koria (Bass) and Dave Shipley (Drums), only three of them but, it sounded like thirty, you've heard of the 'Wall of Sound' this is bigger and better, fills the venue throughout the show.

Anyway back to the on stage production and Dame Trott obviously has that other son Jack (Ethan Hamblett) who has fallen for Princess Jill (Grace Lewis), suffice to say a couple of classy voices as well as performances that create the classic love affair that even a beanstalk and a giant can't break apart.

Talking of Giants, he of the Blunderbore variety (created with a great deal of skill by Emilie Walters) can't really hack it down in Vegtaville so relies on his henchman, Fleshcreep the epitome of evil from Benjamin Burdall but, kept in check by the obligatory Good Fairy in the form of Mother Nature an 'out of this world' character played with an equally stratospheric voice by Stacey Lovatt.

Somebody must rule over the kingdom of Vegtaville and that must be a character of enormous potential to face up to a giant, well let's say of considerable personality but, more in the vein of Lord Farquaad from Shrek when it comes to stature but, played with considerable energy (and likely rather painful knees) by Patrick Lewis.

Not the only person with a painful part to play, Keith Cartwright is the posterior end of Daisy the Cow (and probably nursing a sensitive back) behind Laura Leo at the front and a healthily bovine performance from both.

Only a few opportunities for the comedy duo of Right Hand Man (Gary Fereday) and Left Hand Man (Deb Bastable) to make an impact and they took full advantage as did Gabriel Lewis as the Skeleton in the obligatory 'it's behind you' scene.

Who can not love a production that is full of fun and with an extensive supporting cast to help cast that 'Christmas Spell', more importantly is the inclusion of the classic disco track 'Bourgie Bourgie' (if you don't remember you are obviously very young or I am very old) and if you want to experience that and everything else that makes Panto such a firm favourite then book your tickets now as they are selling fast.

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