Jack and the Roman Beanstalk - Norton Canes High School Theatre - Spotlight Youth Productions

"...the detail and commitment to the show unsurpassed."
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Friends, Romans and Countrymen - this week, Spotlight Youth Productions are performing at Nortonicus Canicus High School and, in true Spotlight Youth style, they bring with them an abundance of energy, laughter and talent that’s guaranteed to keep you smiling all night. This young, Queen’s Awarded group never disappoints and continues to perform to the highest of standards and their take on this classic tale really is something to celebrate.

Set in pantoesque Roman Britain, the story features around the peaceful Romans and Brits of Nortonicus Canicus and the battle between the rotten Romans of nearby Brownhullisium (and their band of Gladiators) and the formidable Boadicea. Boadicea instructs her not-so-twin daughters to sell her horse, Jack, and buy a newer, improved model.  The girls exchange Jack for some magic beans (aha! That old magic bean trick!) and a spaghetti beanstalk takes everyone into the land of the gorgeous Roman Gods, rather than warty old Giants.

So, it may be a step away from the traditional story, and a little more complex in layers, but the enthusiasm and energy from the cast is infectious and the detail and commitment to the show unsurpassed.

Costumes wow! Choreography – a serious wow! Set, props and tech – all wow! (how many ‘wows’ am I allowed?). Live band absolutely spot-on, script by Jackie Anderson top notch... and the kids? Well, they get my biggest WOW! Too large a cast to mention individually but as an all-singing-all-dancing group they kept up the fast pace without a dip and succeeded in delivering the jokes, routines and daft drama in a most delightful and off-the-wall way.  Its unique and it works.

Just before I sign off, I have to mention Ben Carr as Mercury – Ben, you were absolutely born for panto.

Congratulations to all.

Runs to 10 Feb