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Jack and Jill and the Well of Happiness
CADS
As the pantomime curtain finally comes down for me and the team of adjudicators I was most certainly looking forward to watching my last production. It was at Chardstock where CADS were presenting Jack and Jill and the Well of Happiness. This society usually comes up with a traditional nursery rhyme story that I always enjoy. This year was no exception.
Having received a large bag of goodies (thank you) and a programme, I entered this warm village hall. It was evident that on this second night the cast would be performing to a full house. With an element of nursery characters this show moved along at a steady pace. There were some very modern numbers too, courtesy of the ‘Blues Brothers Band’. I loved the opening number although a few more smiling faces to welcome us would have been nice. There were one or two including principals that looked worried to death!
It is clear from your programme that this group is very much family orientated showing tremendous commitment to the society. I thought Jack Shoelace (Luke Marshall) and Jill Stickers (Nat Wilsher) were ideally suited working convincingly well together at all times. You have a beautiful singing voice Nat and I would have loved to have heard a solo from you at some point. The Demon (Katie Richards, aged 15). This was a nasty performance (in the nice sense). You held our attention at all times and gave us a very convincing baddie. At times your diction was a little on the hurried side but I enjoyed your ad-libs with the audience. Well done.
Playing the Dame is always an arduous task and the audience has to warm to you immediately. Susie Shoelace (John Williamson) worked hard on this character but never had quite enough ‘OTT’ or interaction with her audience. The Dame’s entrance is vitally important. Walking on stage in complete silence is, I feel, the opposite way to define yourself (direction issue) – more facial expressions and eye contact daring us to laugh would have enhanced this character. You were too ‘revealing’ in the picnic sequence Susie and certainly needed bloomers! A very good effort though nonetheless.
I loved the antics of Humpty and Dumpty (Kat Wilsher and Naomi Boxell). Here were two fine energetic performers who bounced off each other extremely well. You both showed real commitment to your roles and were fun to watch. Your energy and enthusiasm clearly shone through. Very well played.
It has been evident during my months of moderating that a number of pantomimes have required prompts by many principals, so a very huge congratulations to Prince Swampy (Alisha Meaker) who, with only 3 days notice, had to stand in. You were word perfect Alisha. That’s the way to do it!
I enjoyed the work of your chorus members. There were also some lovely dance moves and made this show what is was.
All sets were very pleasing and I certainly enjoyed The Swamp scene. Costumes were society made. In particular I liked Humpty and Dumpty and Susie’s Well. The Dames large boot for the walk-down was very imaginative indeed. Lighting and sound were to an extremely high standard adding visual appeal to this production.
Well there we have it. CADS certainly sprinkled happiness over their local audiences this season and I would like to thank you all for a most enjoyable pantomime experience.
Nigel Ford. Moderator SFD