2025 - The Untold Story of Jack and the Beanstalk
The Untold Story of Jack and the Beanstalk by Juliet Devon review by Andy Witting February 2025.
Have you ever wondered about the backstory of 'Jack and the Beanstalk'? Why is the giant so mean? Who is Jack’s father? Who helped Jack to make his escape? The latest production from the Russell Players at Swallowfield Parish Hall answers all these questions!
As we have come to expect, the Russell Players enchant with lovely scenery, vibrant costumes, impressive stage effects and splendid performances in their latest production. The pantomime explores the origins of the giant, revealing his unexpected past.
Excellent scene setting adds a cosy fireside feel to avuncular narrator (Nigel Adams) as he transports us to Odious Palace, lair of the cruel and greedy Baroness Von Odious (Deni Smale), who orders her sceptical estate manager, Smart Alec (Lynn Wright), to slash her staff’s wages. Generous neighbours, Luke the Duke(Alby Wright) and Duchess (Caroline Waterer), offer respite, but the wicked Baroness uses her evil wiles to inflict misery on all involved.
Years later, reluctant hero Jack (Sarah Mapleston) receives enthusiastic encouragement from Scary Mary (Russell players debutant, Ashleigh Baker) to climb the beanstalk and resolve matters courageously. Delightful twists and humorous interventions involve Mrs. Tidy, the Duke’s housekeeper (Sheila Partington), Jack’s nanny (Trish Harris), Jack’s cow, Lulu (Barbara Stanley), the butcher (Mike Hibbit), and even a small copse of trees!
The performances are delightful and showcase the depth of talent in the Russell Players. The Baroness is truly odious and mean-spirited. Deni Smale clearly relishes the baddy role and winds the audience up superbly to howl their derision. On-stage Lynn Wright, as Smart Alec, portrays the scepticism and disapproval that we are all feeling about the Duchesses plans by way of skilfully crafted asides and facial expressions. Duke and Duchess, Alby Wright and Caroline Waterer, become worthy recipients for audience empathy with the warmth of their love and concern for those who serve them. The interplay between Jack and Scary Mary is fast and clever. Without doubt Ashleigh Baker is a valued addition to the Russell Players company, evidencing great chemistry with Sarah Mapleston which brings great performances from both. The depth of talent and versatility of the cast is clear in the way that Sheila Partington, Trish Harris, Barbara Stanley and Mike Hibbit provide their support, seamlessly assuming a variety of roles and personas and entertaining us with their quick-fire humour.
Mention must also go to the supporting crew for artistic, well-engineered and surprising scenery and effects. Talented contributions from Chris Partridge, Juliet Devon, Bryan Partington, Mitch Mitchell and others would make many larger dramatic societies envious. Juliet Devon is also this pantomime’s ingenious author and, together with co-Director, Deni Smale, she has enabled the Russell Players to pull off another triumph.
Engaging performances, lively audience encouragement, humour, suspense, and heart- warming moments prove that even the most familiar tales have secrets to be discovered.
