Reviews

The Stage

Starting with a flash and collective oooh, Fleshcreep insults the audience, calling them Basildonites. Grays audiences, made of tougher stuff, retaliate. A moppet near me spent her first theatre experience practising vocabulary such as “potato head”.

An effective innovation this year is purpose-made film of Damian Williams’ 11-year reigning Dame shopping at Lakeside, dashing into the theatre just in time, then entering through the auditorium. Irreverent, never stuck for retorts, he just gets stronger every year, exulting in his audience control.
Pintsize Morgan Roberts’ lively Simple Simon is an excellent foil for our statuesque dame. Stuart Simons’ Fleshcreep doesn’t stand a chance against them. Poppy Roe’s sturdy Jack partners Natalie Waters as Princess Marigold. Thomas Lappin is King with Claire Louise Connolly as Fairy. Matt Fenn doubles as Chamberlain and Giant Blunderboar.

Well-presented students from Masters Performing Arts College and local young people provide enthusiastic chorus work. Andy Collyer’s music drives the action along. Veteran costumier Elsie Baldock is responsible for the Dame’s eye-popping wardrobe.

Under Bruce James’ direction, Jack far exceeds standards we’ve come to expect here. Fast paced, energetic and totally unpretentious, with lots of astonishing innovations in this small acting space. Thoroughly entertaining and excellent value for money.