The smaller Christmas productions in Dublin suburbs and arts centres around the country offer a contrastive experience to the big glitzy Christmas pantomimes. And, An Gríanan Productions version of Jack & the Beanstalk, in Letterkenny before Christmas and now at the Civic Theatre, Tallaght, is a perfect example of the form, writes Sylvia Thompson
With a cast of only five, director Myles Breen does a wonderful job in creating drama, pathos and excitement for the young audience (the show is most suitable for three to 10-year-olds). And, right from the start, we get the sense of good teamwork from the versatile performers who can sing, dance and act to a high standard.
Each of the characters shines in his/her own way - Rachel Devir as Jack's Mother has a feistiness that blends well with her Donegal lilts. David Gilna fits into the role of what has become the quintessential Jack - a blond boy-band type and Rosa (Marie Claire Nolan) is just the kind of Princess you'd expect to find nowadays - one aware of her destiny but rebellious nonetheless. Declan Birney plays a bumbling sort of Giant who doesn't seem to scare anyone yet he carries it off well.
However, it's Russell Smith as Scam who wins the audience. Not that he's a real baddie but he is unrelenting in his efforts and the mere physicality of his performance is superb. He also flits on and off the stage to play keyboards when duty calls.
Even if you're tiring of the story of Jack & the Beanstalk, this version by writer Little John Nee will charm you. It's a perfect post-Christmas outing for children who are less keen on the bigger shows that dominate the Christmas season.
Runs until Jan 7th
