Jack was an unusual mix of old and new Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society's annual panto extravaganza, Jack and the Beanstalk, was once again an evening of fun, song and dance, with the obligatory smattering of corny one-liners and slapstick, orchestrated by a manic cast well in control of their material.

Staged at the Bryce Institute, the first act followed the traditional tale with all the usual characters - village idiot (Shaun O'Sullivan), daft king (Martin Cash) and queen (a scene stealing Vanessa Andrew) and mother of the hero, Dame Composteepa (Mark Crook).

Mark held the first scenes together with a polished and amusing patter with the audience and some terrible vegetable puns!

Costumes were interesting and not traditional down to a schoolgirl look for the princess (Jen Craghill) and what looked like a mechanic from a garage for the Hero, Jack (Vickie Hunter).

It was an unusual look, particularly for a principal boy.

Sets were well constructed and particularly effective were the scenes depicting the beanstalk growing - UV light and the shimmering silver of the sky at night, catching and reflecting the light around the hall.

There were also some new slants on the popular tale, with the giant finally appearing as a well constructed, and at times, animated, prop, while the real villains of the piece were revealed to be a mad inventor of diminished stature, played by the excellent John Dodds, and a truly demented witch, played with throaty exuberance by Shirley Lawson.

Also appearing, as part of the scientist's "toys", were a colourful children's chorus, fighting and dancing through the final scene. They were a credit and asset to the production.

The playing was right to the hilt the night I viewed and the audience was joining in with enthusiasm, knowing that they had been part of a good solid family entertainment.

William Sylvester