The sunny inconsistencies of pantomime are treated with appropriate disdain in the production of Jack and the Beanstalk at Cork Opera House. A set which is bright without being garish and costumes which are visually efficient heighten the festive atmosphere enjoyed by the audience of the traditional opening night, which also relished the terrific sound effects accompanying the Sorcerer (Conor Dwane).
As the quintessential Dame, Billa O'Connell's clarion call of "C'mere!" sets the tone of affable familiarity. This actor's rapport with the young audience is now so mutual that it is practically part of the scenario - at least as much as is possible for what is essentially a spontaneous response. The resulting hilarity is a kind of bonding, useful when there are inadequacies to be forgiven. A professional degree of commitment masks the ease with which these players stroll through a somewhat lethargic script, but problems with the sound system reveal rather than disguise the lack of good singing either from chorus or soloists.
However, a thoroughly satisfying giant (Joe O'Gorman) and a winning romantic twosome from Karen Hackett as Jill and Ian McGuirk as Jack satisfy all obvious juvenile longings. The overall good humour of the production (directed by Michael Twomey) is its mainstay; best acting awards will have to go to the two parts of Clarrie the Cow.
Plays until January 17th, at various times. To book, phone: 021-270022.