Arts Alliance of Pine Rivers Inc

Jack and Jill

“Jack & Jill”

By Norman Robbins

Directed by Val Scully and Lillian McDougall

Mousetrap Theatre

Redcliffe

 

It took me back to my childhood when my mother took me to the old Theatre Royal in the city to see the pantomimes. In fact my first appearance on stage was with George Wallace Jnr. From that moment on the theatre had me hooked.

 

What a delight it was to see another panto. Very few theatre companies do them these days but Mousetrap has a tradition of doing one each Xmas. This one had it all, all the fun I remember. There was the evil demon “Discontent” played with great gusto by the seasoned Peter Lovely. To balance his evil, Susan Field, another regular at Mousetrap played the beautiful Rainbow fairy with a twinkle in her eye. The lovers were admirably played by Anna Madsen (the traditional male hero played by a girl) and Annie Just (whose voice was particularly pretty). The rest of the main roles were made up of a fine bunch of adult performers but the stand out in the pantomime “Dame” role was Keith Wilson. His was a comic performance worthy of any in the world. Jack and Jill were played mischievously by Michael Brealy and Tia Stace.

 

The large cast of children sang and danced their way into our hearts. Their costumes were a credit to the company with some support from Peninsular Parties Costume Hire. Talking of costumes the “Gypsy Dancers” wore the most stunning costumes, designed to accentuate the swirls of what was a most authentic dance.

 

I urge you to take children to see this wonderful show and at the same time be prepared to enjoy the corny humour with just enough double entendre for the adults. You know what is going to happen. You will see all the standard  lines like Tommy Tittlemouse’s “Watcher kids!” and the kids’ response of “Watcher Tommy!”, the set ups and of course the ghost behind the clowns. Let your hair down, go back to your childhood and enjoy “Jack and Jill”.

 

Playing 3^rd. 4^th. 5^th. 10^th. 11^th. 12^th,  December at 7.30 p.m.

And Sunday Matinees on 6^th. And 13^th. At 2.00 p.m.

 

Tickets available at Thurechts Sutton St Redcliffe.

 

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