Review – Beccles & Bungay Journal – Jan 1983
Panto cow sets a puzzle
How does a brown cow give white milk when it only eats green grass?
That was the puzzle posed by the Loddon Pantomime Players at a special performance of “Jack and the Beanstalk.”
An extravaganza of colour dance and music, the show proved successful enough to make 50 disabled and elderly people forget their cares for one night.
The specially invited audience for this sneak preview of the Players’ latest show included local pensioners and Major Derek Allhusen, chairman of the Loddon branch of the Norfolk Association for the Care of the Disabled, with a party of disabled people.
Derek Loyd gave a hilarious performance as Jacks mother, Mrs Nagalot and soon brought the child out in every spectator with his provocative banter.
Maureen Larkin’s strong Norfolk accent only enhanced her part as Jacks sister, Jill. While Betty Best lived up to her name, thrilling the audience with her singing.
You could even be forgiven for thinking you were at Maplin’s holiday camp when Anthony Bunting took the stage as a rather unusual town crier.
Sue Alexander played with confidence and charm, the principal boy who wins the hand of the Lady Lavinia, frees the imprisoned children and tames the wicked giant.
The talented and versatile members of the Joan Gisborne School of Dancing played everything from a harp to a hen, while Keith Blackwell stormed about skilfully in two feet high boots as the Giant “Horrendus”.
The show was a tribute to the hard work of Joan Gisborne who not only produced, wrote the script and choreographed the pantomime, but also acted and helped with costumes.
Jack and the Beanstalk opened last night at the Hobart High School, Loddon, and performances will be repeated tonight and tomorrow.
