Jack & Co leave Huntly panto crowd full of beans
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HUNTLY’s annual pantomime just gets better and better- oh yes it does.
Audiences at the Stewart’s Hall for Jack and the Beanstalk were treated to a feast of song, dance and comic capers which from the very first appearance of bad guy Fleshcreep, played by
Neil Bell-Forsyth, had the audience completely on board in terms of participation.
It might have been an amateur production but the quality of singing and dancing was truly professional.
When Sarah Tassell, who played Jack and Sarah Rennie, Princess Jill, sang That’s the Way It Is, every word could be heard and the applause they received was well deserved.
Seasoned performer Lewis Moggach, as Dame Trot who was looking for love, was phenomenal and perfectly matched with his son, Silly Simon, a role taken by Mallory Black who powered onto the stage in a pedal car.
The duo were central to all the panto fun – assisted of course by Pat the Cow who at one point was joined on stage by a group of cows signing in harmony.
Full marks to James Watt as King Edward who played his part on his knees – a real feat!
Fairies, June Cranna and Selena Govier brought sparkle to the stage which was frequently lit with special effects.
An ensemble of singers and dancers took the show to a new level and the Huntly Fair set where they joined the leads singing Tonight Belongs To Us was exceptionally well delivered.
Pantos need their special effects and the Aurora directors, Hugh Johnstone and Hannah McGinlay don't hold back from making them happen – even with all the constraints of a small, town hall stage.
A giant inflatable beanstalk grew up through the stage, transporting the audience to its very tip in just one of some very impressive scene changes.
The whole show was on a par with much bigger more costly events currently running but no expense was spared when it came to lavish costume changes.
Musical director Hugh Johnstone led the orchestra whose contribution to the show was immense.
Anyone who didn’t get along to this production should note in their diary that the summer show is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast which will run from may 28 to June 2, 2024.
