Jack and the Beanstalk

IAN CLARKE

> Memorial Hall, Dereham

It was no laughing matter for Dereham Operatic Society when one of the leading characters in the end-of-year slapstick panto was taken ill on the eve of the curtain going up.

Chris Carroll – who plays Jack's brother Simple Simon – went down with the dreaded bug.

But the show had to go on – and it did in fine style to the delight of a very healthy first-day audience as experienced Fakenham actor Nick Bird stood in at the last minute to fill Simple Simon's boots.

The well-known and well-loved show has been updated this year and in true panto style had all the bad jokes, madcap antics and audience participation that we expect.

No local production would be the same without some good local gags – and even Breckland Council leader Cliff Jordan and his large allowances budget got a mention.

Nick Bird quite rightly got a rousing ovation and the evergreen Dereham dame Tony Wilds produced his usual top-rate performance.

Piccalli the wicked witch (Marea Smithson) was excellently portrayed as an Anne Robinson figure.

With clever special effects, colourful costumes and scenery, and a range of well-known songs such as Money Makes the World Go Round, Bring Me Sunshine and Reach for the Stars, it was a good all-round production.

Jack and The Beanstalk continues at Dereham Memorial Hall until January 3. Box office: 01362 851919.