‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ review
‘Everyone on stage seemed to be having as much fun as the audience, which was refreshing.’
South College’s Oswald’s Players delivered a thoroughly enjoyable performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. This student-written pantomime showcased a remarkable blend of talent, creativity, and collaboration. From the music, to the acting of cast members, to the script written by Jake Holding, Maisie James, Charlotte Clipston, and Ben Mitchell, who also musically directed, choreographed, and co-directed respectively, the production was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the band and the singing, both of which were exceptional. The music, entirely composed and scored by one individual, stood out as a rival to professional musicians. The songs were not only catchy, but seamlessly integrated into the narrative, adding depth and energy. Lulu Dodds, who played Jack, gave a standout performance, combining a strong vocal presence with engaging stage charisma. A particularly comedic highlight was the rap-battle in the first half of the show, both catchy and funny.
The script was clever, witty, and full of sharp, topical humour that resonated with the Durham-student-heavy audience, skilfully balancing traditional pantomime elements with puns and references tailored to the university. The humour kept the audience engaged throughout, with audible laughter and enthusiastic participation reflecting how well the material landed.
The acting was another strength of the production. Each cast member brought their character to life with enthusiasm and commitment. The chemistry among the actors was noticeable, and their timing—both comedic and dramatic—was impeccable. Everyone on stage seemed to be having as much fun as the audience, which was refreshing. Despite minor technical glitches, the cast handled these moments with professionalism, maintaining the flow of the performance.
One particularly memorable aspect of the production was the casting of Kye Slawson-Powell, South College’s JCR President, in the role of the King. This casting choice added an extra layer of relatability. His performance brought a charismatic and knowing charm to the stage, with his presence eliciting excited reactions from the audience. It was also wonderful to see the Oswald’s Players President, Jake Holding, and one of the performances' co-directors, Ben Mitchell, take on supporting roles in the production. Their involvement on stage demonstrated their deep engagement with the creative process, and their willingness to perform alongside the cast was a testament to the collaborative spirit driving this production. Additionally, Alex Flaherty’s performance as the Door deserves special mention. Flaherty set the tone for the evening, immediately engaging the audience and signalling the playful and light-hearted energy that would follow - setting a strong foundation for what was to come.
The homemade set added charm and authenticity to the production. The beanstalk, although not on stage for long, was a particular highlight. The stage was always well stocked with immersive décor and setting - effective and clearly the product of considerable effort by the design team led by Jasmine Lynton. It provided a versatile backdrop for the action, adding to the overall appeal without overshadowing the performances.
However, while the central characters’ costumes were thoughtfully designed and fit well with their roles, those of the supporting cast lacked the same level of inspiration, appearing less polished – particularly noticeable when on stage at the same time as the central character.
While this did not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the production, investing more time and creativity into the ensemble’s costumes could allow every character to feel equally integral to the narrative. The ensemble brought just as much energy and talent as the main cast, so attention to detail with their visual appearance would have been nice to see.
The second half of the show, while still enjoyable, felt noticeably shorter than the first. This was unfortunate, as the cast seemed more confident in the latter half. Extending the latter portion would have been great to see, however the story did feel complete and the ending of the show was satisfying and enjoyable.
Overall, Jack and the Beanstalk was highly impressive. Oswald’s Players demonstrated a level of talent and professionalism that promises great things for their future. The effort and passion poured into this pantomime by everyone involved was evident. The cast's adaptability and excellent rapport with the audience made the performance even more enjoyable and immersive. Congratulations to the cast and crew for a memorable evening!
By Annabelle Langley.
‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is showing on Tuesday 19th November at 19:00, in the Mount Oswald Hub.