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Little Jack Horner
TAPS
I was looking forward to the journey over to Tatworth. Although I can never seem to find the Memorial Hall that easily I was certainly intrigued to see their production of Little Jack Horner. I hadn’t watched this pantomime since leaving school although I could recall some of the characters
A friendly welcome greeted me together with a bright and colourful programme. Music was most uplifting on my entrance to the hall and I settled down to see what I could remember from my teenage years. The script, written by Paul Reakes, contained all the ingredients of a traditional pantomime and moved along at a relatively good pace. Acting was to a reasonably good standard although the prompt was required on the opening night.
I enjoyed the antics of Dame Dimwit (Grant Davies) who came across as a natural in this role with good facial expressions and perfect lilt to the voice. I would have loved you even more though had you slapped on the lip stick, wore comical glasses (if you need to wear them on stage) and replaced those base ball boots for Doc Martens. However, your headwear made up for this with much attention to detail.
I very much enjoyed your zany King Marmaduke (Neil Garlard) who portrayed his role in a most comical and loveable way. I thought you struggled with your song ‘Does your Mother know’ a tad. I thought you were going to pass out on us all!!
You had a strong Principal Boy as Little Jack Horner (Katie Garland) who commanded the stage well and Patience (Debbie Hilton) was a believable Schoolma’am although I never really thought the romance between yourself and Prince Peter was that believable.
The comedy duo Bertie and Gertie (Kim Gaylard and Lesley Speed) performed their roles with energy and showed commitment to their parts. I am still trying to work that mind-reading trick out!
All sets and lighting was very pleasing to the eye. In particular, I enjoyed the Gypsy Camp. I could tell a lot of thought had gone into this scene. The camp fire and caravan added appeal to the opening of act 2.
There were perhaps a few too many cast wearing spectacles for my liking and two members with earrings and one wearing a watch! I believe I may have mentioned this in my review last year as well.
There was certainly a variety of musical numbers that I enjoyed although no band this year. It may have been an idea to have asked your audience to stand for the Hokey Cokey. I have never performed it sitting down before!
There was something for everyone to enjoy in this pantomime from custard pies to an enchanting UV scene. It was evident that your society had given a lot of thought into this year’s production.
Thank you TAPS. This show certainly did not run ‘hot and cold’ with me. I had a jolly good evening.
Nigel Ford
Moderator SFD