Jack and the Beanstalk – Voulez-Vouz productions
Reviewed 16th December
4/5
A traditional production with some sterling performances.
Jack and the Beanstalk at the Barrington Theatre may not have the jaw-dropping effects and eye-watering budget of some of the larger shows around, but the small cast more than make up for that in sheer hard work.
Headed up by Kev Stevens (known locally as Krazy Kev), who also wrote and directed the show, the cast of five worked their socks off to entertain the audience, which at 11am is not an easy job. With some suitably bad jokes, Kev does his best to keep the show zipping along, and while it may have been a little slow to get going, by the end of the first half, and with a suitably impressive beanstalk, everyone was singing along.
Tyler Marlow is a young but impressive Dame Trott. His gruff voice and great timing reminded me of Les Dawson, definitely a traditional ‘man in a dress’ dame which is a nice change these days.
Sam Dunning is suitable nasty as the Giant’s Henchman, Fleshcreep, despite his string vest, and has the kids booing whenever he appears, although he does manage to get upstaged by the Cow in the second half – but then so does everyone else.
With some great musical numbers – the ‘If I was not upon the stage’ skit being particularly impressive, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
It is a shame we don’t actually get to see the giant, but to be honest, I’m not sure that really mattered. It certainly didn’t stop the audience having a great time.