Panto a big hit

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Curtain Theatre.

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There was a treat at Rochdale Curtain theatre this Christmas as the 'Castleton type' village pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, proved to be a big hit.

Judging from the laughter, applause and audience participation the panto was very much enjoyed by young and old alike.

The show was sold out weeks before the opening night and all proceeds will go to a local youth charity.

Local producer Billy Sheerin wrote the script and played a minor comedy role while directing the panto. He said: "With a cast of seventeen principals it was hard to single out individual performances and team work was very evident in all areas."

Ami Louise Gilmore was outstanding in the role of Jack the Giant killer, full of confidence, gusto and with a superb singing voice to boot.

The comedy team led by veteran Barry Sidebottom, playing Dame Trott, and Tim Richardson, as Tommy, showed off their talents with great gusto and both used all their vast panto experiences having audiences in uproar time and time again. 

Another comedy plus was the performance of Bernie Burke as the Giant's wife, being just under 5 foot tall she proved to be a perfect foil for her greedy husband who was powerfully played by Greg Williams.

Every panto should have a villain to hate and Stuart Crowther’s portrayal of “Horrible Harold” was just right, lots of Hisses and Boos greeted his entrances and exits. Chesca Fisher, playing the Fairy Queen, using beautifully delivered rhyming couplets, proved an equal foil to the evil Harold.

The chorus work was in the capable hands of Rena Lever and the 'Castleton School of Dancing'. Numbers that included ballet, tap, and modern dance were beautifully performed and excellently sung. The music was in the competent hands of Peter Fisher, keeping the sound levels 'just so' that none of the principals needed microphones to aid their musical numbers.

The whole show was full of action, pace and colour, with superb costumes designed and made by Lynn Sheerin and lovely scenery loaned by St Gabriels PTA Castleton. All this was magically lit by Adrian Montgomery the CT lighting designer and all important sound effects were delivered 'on cue' by Michael Montgomery.

The biggest plus was the number of younger players performing in the principal roles, all gaining valuable stage experience being alongside elder and vastly experienced players.

Billy Sheerin said: “There were no Stars in this Panto but everyone certainly shone!”