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Jack and the Beanstalk

December 16, 2007

tommy-customs-house-panto-07.jpgJack and The Beanstalk : Customs House South Shields until Jan 6th

Not trying to compete with the big budget pantos in the area the Customs House show has become known as “the little panto with a big heart”. The annual pantomime at the Customs House has its own following and they know giving the audience what they want and have come to expect, is half the battle. Add to that a cast and production crew that understand and can deliver pantomime, you are well on your way to success.

This year Ray Spencer is back as Tommy The Trumpeter, Jacks brother, and Bob Stott as their mother Dame Dotty.  There is no doubting the affection the local audience shows for Ray and Bob and in return they delivered the goods. From topical jokes, including bringing a canoe on when one of the cast had to make a quick exit, to slap stick and the final sing-along all the ingredients of a great show are present.

Playing Jack is David Ducasse and plenty of references were made to his entry in this years Eurovision Song Contest, where he performed as part of the group Scooch. The company even had a routine based on the song, Flying the Flag.

The story revolves around Princess Jill (Laura Norton) who is in love with Jack but as he is penniless her father, King Grundy (TVs John Grundy in his first panto) states she cannot marry him. Shortly afterwards she is taken prisoner for the Giant. But when Fleshcreep  (Graham Overton excelling as the evil henchman) buys the family cow for a few beans, Jack has the opportunity to climb the  magical beanstalk to save the Princess and return with Paxo the egg that lays golden eggs. As he is now rich he is allowed to marry the princess.

Overseeing the proceedings to make sure a happy ending is reached is the Good Fairy, excellently played by Vicky Elliott. 

There are plenty of opportunities to join in the fun, clap your hands and shout out loud and once again the Customs House delivers a pantomime that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

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