Shannen Sweeny as the Princess, and Sarah Phillips as Jack
Our reporter Gareth McKeown had a whale of a time at the Lakeland Players’ annual panto…
IN ANOTHER awe inspiring performance the Lakeland Players annual pantomine ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ does not disappoint.
The traditional story is transformed into a captivating, funny and fresh tale showcasing the very best that Fermanagh amateur drama has to offer both young and old.
Sarah Philips who plays the lead role of Jack shows superb vocal range and delivers a wonderful display all at a tender age, while the love interest Princess Jasmine played by Shannen Sweeney shines and is a perfect foil to our young hero.
When there are heroes there are of course villians and the menacing Fleshcreep the tax collector is captured perfectly by Ian Blackthorn proving both terrifying and coniving in equal measure.
In traditional pantomine fashion the audience are treated to an array of musical numbers and fans of One direction and adopted Fermanagh man Nathan Carter will not be disappointed.
While some pantomines can be long winded and cater solely to the young audience the Lakeland Players ensure that the humour is universal and caters to all tastes.
Jethro played by Niall Greene and the comedy duo of Major Rodewerks and Private Access are both clever and witty, with the former engaging the crowds superbly with his signature catchphrase ‘Ooh arr’.
Mark Allen arguably steals the show as ‘Dame Trot’ (Jack’s mother). Think May McFettridge, but with a Fermanagh twang and you get the picture.
In truth the whole cast deserve a pat on the back from the leads, to the young dancers down to those behind the scenes. It is a real team effort and from being in the crowd on Sunday it was clear the hard work paid off.
Was ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ a success? ‘Oh yes it was!’