PANTO in Paignton is getting better. Oh yes it is!
Whether money has poured in or actors have improved, this year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk is a real improvement on last year’s Aladdin production.
Not that there was anything wrong with panto at the Palace Theatre 12 months ago, but this year’s spectacular was more impressive, grander and funnier. It was as if, the actors, some of whom were already part of the production last year, had worked that extra bit harder to turn a good panto into a good evening out.
Jack and the Beanstalk, adapted by Alan Frayn and directed by Iain Douglas, was a whirlwind of enthusiasm and fun. It was all there from the excellent decors, great music, jokes and slapstick comedy to regal the children and enough humour to please the mums and dads.
There was even a joke at the expense of Torbay mayor Nick Bye and what has been done to Rock Walk.
The main actors Dean Breyley, who played Jack, Katie Twigger as Princess Primrose, Steve Gale, who impersonated Simple Simon, and old Paignton Pantomime Production favourite Alan Wagstaff as Dame Dottie Dibble were all excellent.
The crowd, which filled the theatre to the brim, loved the show and asked for more. Oh yes they did!
Tuesday night’s representation proved the perfect present for PPP’s 75th birthday.
All actors were well into their roles and so was the crowd as both reacted well to each other.
Not all was perfect. Some of the singers were better than others or were drowned out by the loud music. It was far too hot inside the theatre as well, but over all it was an evening well spent and a good panto.
PANTO in Paignton is getting better. Oh yes it is!
Whether money has poured in or actors have improved, this year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk is a real improvement on last year’s Aladdin production.
Not that there was anything wrong with panto at the Palace Theatre 12 months ago, but this year’s spectacular was more impressive, grander and funnier. It was as if, the actors, some of whom were already part of the production last year, had worked that extra bit harder to turn a good panto into a good evening out.
Jack and the Beanstalk, adapted by Alan Frayn and directed by Iain Douglas, was a whirlwind of enthusiasm and fun. It was all there from the excellent decors, great music, jokes and slapstick comedy to regal the children and enough humour to please the mums and dads.
There was even a joke at the expense ofTorbay mayor Nick Bye and what has been done to Rock Walk.
The main actors Dean Breyley, who played Jack, Katie Twigger as Princess Primrose, Steve Gale, who impersonated Simple Simon, and old Paignton Pantomime Production favourite Alan Wagstaff as Dame Dottie Dibble were all excellent.
The crowd, which filled the theatre to the brim, loved the show and asked for more. Oh yes they did!
Tuesday night’s representation proved the perfect present for PPP’s 75th birthday.
All actors were well into their roles and so was the crowd as both reacted well to each other.
Not all was perfect. Some of the singers were better than others or were drowned out by the loud music. It was far too hot inside the theatre as well, but over all it was an evening well spent and a good panto.
The show will go on until January 3.
I recommend it.
OLLIE VERGNAULT