THIS year proved that audiences – quite literally – can’t get enough of the Company of Friends’ pantos at Chequer Mead.
With sales soaring, the sky-high demand for tickets to see this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk demanded an unscheduled 17th performance to accommodate the Friends’ ever-widening fan base.
But their commitment to Christmas – surely unparalleled for an amateur cast? – delivered yet another great show with a marvellous cast, great scenery and a tap-dancing cow…
Panto simply doesn’t come better then this.
Dylan Holdsworth was a perfect Jack.
Endearingly boyish, charming and handsome, Dylan was the very embodiment of a fairy tale hero. And with a voice to match his blond good looks, the little girls in the audience – and indeed their mothers – were quickly won over.
Skye Tupholme gave a winsome performance as his leading lady and brought a refreshing touch of the hoyden to her Jill.
Presiding over the madness which is panto was Michael Spencer, back again this year as the Dame.
I have seen Michael’s previous incarnations as Professor Higgins, Bill Sykes and Bob Cratchet and marvellous he was as all of them.
But there is something about his Dame – Trott in this instance – which is simply irresistible.
Blessed with a grin which is the cheekiest ever seen on stage, his knowing jokes, flirtatious interplay and audience participation routines had parents, grandparents and children eating out of his hand…even when he wasn’t throwing sweets at them.
Ashley Wolfendale’s Silly Billy lived up to his billing with a lovely turn as Jack’s simple sibling, while Antony Worssam brought a real frisson of terror to his villainous Fleshcreep, ably assisted by his sidekick Spinetingle, played by John Barnett.
Phil World – often the panto baddie – was back playing an endearing King Crumble this year, and Jill Redford gave a sparkling performance as Fairy Moonbeam whose magical machinations brought everything to a very satisfying conclusion after the terrors of the plot.
Mike McMahon’s Voice of the Giant certainly terrified the small girl sitting behind me – which in theatrical terms is A Good Thing – not least because, when it comes to giants, imagination is far more potent than an actual appearance by the villain of the piece.
And a special word of praise must go to Gilly Mill and Phoebe Lowy who together made a marvellously mobile cow. It was lovely stuff, and although the same little audience member did remark after their tap dance “I TOLD you there were people in there” it in no way detracted from their overall credibility in a pivotal role.
As always the supporting cast of singers and dancers deserve praise for some lovely routines and a particularly effective – and scary – dance with Jack in the Giant’s wood – as does Stanley Tuesley who made a very endearing Golden Goose.
This was classic Christmas fare, beautifully delivered by a Company whose affection for each other and whose dedication to their loyal audiences made this year’s pantomime something really rather special.
Again.
Geraldine Durrant
